RESIDENTS have won their battle against plans for a 75ft mobile phone mast near their homes.

Now the grateful protesters have erected a sign in Feniscolwes to thank council bosses for rejecting the scheme.

More than 1,500 residents signed a petition opposing the application, made on behalf of communication giant 02.

The mast and base station would have been sited on a footpath next to the Three Arches, a grade two listed disused railway bridge in Preston Old Road.

But the proposals have now been rejected by planning officials.

Campaigner Ian Simm, today praised Blackburn with Darwen Council for listening to residents concerns and said the decision was "a victory for common sense."

He also thanked the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for coverage of the residents' campaign which he believes highlighted the issue and increased support.

He said: "This is really good news for our community.

"Common sense has prevailed as the mast should not be sited so close to two primary schools when the health risks for such masts are still unknown.

"Both St Paul's Primary and Feniscowles County Primary wrote to the council to object and it is refreshing to know that the council has listened to public opinion.

"This is a good example of the council getting it right and the sign was put up to let everyone know their decision."

Along with the petition, the council received 150 individual letters of protest, including ones from English Heritage, local churches and a badger protection group.

Mr Simm added: "Everyone just keeps saying that without the Telegraph to publicise this case none of this could have been possible."