BT Cellnet has been stumped yet again by people power in Brandlesholme.

For the mobile phone company has been thwarted for a second time, just three months after its first application to site a telecommunications tower at Woodbank Cricket Club was rejected by planning chiefs.

A resubmission of the scheme was thrown out by members of Bury Council's planning control sub-committee who were concerned by its likely affect on the Brandlesholme skyline.

The 15-metre tower would have been close to Woodbank Primary School; nearly 300 residents and parents objected to the tower in relation to health concerns and the visual impact of the installation.

Woodbank CC, off Stafford Street, Higher Woodhill, was looking to use the annual rent from BT Cellnet to pay for improved facilities at the popular cricket ground.

Councillor Andrea Hughes, who has been campaigning against the mast, said: "I am delighted that the application was rejected by the planning committee as I know the strength of feeling that exists among local residents.

" It is, in every sense, a victory for people power!"

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