A COUPLE have won their battle to park their caravan on their land as British Telecom moved one of its telegraph poles.

Maurice and Beth Gregory returned home from a six-month trip across Spain and France to find they could not get their £10,000 caravan on their drive.

While they had been away BT engineers had replaced a decaying telegraph pole at the back of their Blackamoor Road home, in Guide, with a new, wider one.

And instead of placing it in the same place as the old one, tucked tightly against a fence, workmen planted it more towards the path, because, a BT spokesman said, it "minimises disruption to the services."

The disruption caused to the Gregorys, however, meant they were unable to manoeuvre their 7ft 6in wide caravan through the gap.

And because of insurance, they were forced to drive around with it still attached to the family car -- even when they went shopping.

After the Lancashire Evening Telegraph highlighted the case BT moved the pole to its original position.

Retired joiner Maurice, 69, and 63-year-old Beth, who used to own a snack bar on the Grane Road, have been able to park the vehicle - nearly a week after their return.

Beth said: "After it was in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, engineers came round put the new pole where the old one originally was.

"They should have done that in the first place, but at least it is sorted now. It was ridiculous, but we can get the caravan in and out with ease.

"The new pole made a huge difference, because of where they put it and it was wider."

Jason Mann, a spokesman for British Telecom, said: "In view of the concerns that were raised, our manager has looked again at the situation and decided to return the pole to its original position.

"We are very pleased that the matter has now been resolved amicably."

It is also good news for the couple's son Stuart. The 31-year-old had parked his caravan on the land while they were away and could not get it out.