CAMPAIGNERS have claimed a victory after plans to site a controversial mobile phone mast at a picturesque location were stalled.

Mobile phone giant Orange, conceded that plans to erect a phone mast at a beauty spot by Cowm Reservoir, Whitworth, are now up in the air.

Rebecca D’Arcy, corporate responsibility manager of Orange UK, said: “Due to legal issues with the site, it is not scheduled into our current forecast build programme.

“We will review the situation over the next six months and hopefully have a clearer idea of when the site might be constructed.”

Residents blasted the initial plans to construct a 15-metre high mast on land off High Barn Lane, claiming the development was misleading and rushed.

Sandra Heston, of Whit-worth Amateur Objectors Committee, said: “The entire process was not just hasty, but it was closed to the public.

“This recent developm-ent is very interesting, but yet again, no one actually knows what exactly is going on.

“If Orange have changed their minds then they should come out and tell us straight, instead of leaving us guessing. “ County Coun Sean Serridge is one of many councillors against the proposal to build a phone mast at the site.

He said: “I am glad we have another six months for Orange to try and find a more suitable site.

“I speak for myself, campaigners and other councillors, when I say there are other sites that would be better for the mast.

“I hope that over these next six months, they use a different structure as they have done in other parts of the country.”

Site developers Gallif-ord Try were unavailable for comment.