A BID to erect a 15-metre high telecommunications mast has been blocked by St Helens Council's Planning Committee.

As featured exclusively in the St Helens Star, the proposed mobile phone mast met with determined oppostion from people living near the site.

The planning application, submitted by a telecommunications company, was for a mast and associated equipment cabin on land at Hydes Brow, Rainford. The area surrounding the land is predominantly residential and there are three schools close by, as well as open agricultural fields to the west.

The committee rejected the application -- after receiving a petition signed by 158 local residents and 27 letters of objection -- on the grounds of visual, environmental and health concerns expressed by members.