Newport West AM Rosemary Butler has congratulated local people who successfully campaigned against a  proposed mobile telephone mast in Caerleon, after a planning inspector decided to reject an appeal by T-Mobile.

The phone company appealed after Newport City Council refused the application in December. The planning inspector, appointed by the Welsh Assembly Government, said that a 12m mast on Lodge Road would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area, although he was not persuaded by the residents' health and safety arguments.

Rosemary Butler, who supported a previous campaign against a mast in the area, says she's delighted and relieved at the outcome.

"This was a victory for common sense. Mobile phone masts are needed but this was a thoroughly unsuitable site and I hope that an alternative can now be found.

"To avoid problems like this from now on I think  there needs to be better communication between operators, local authorities and members of the public, and I hope that the Assembly will be able to work on that."

Thursday September 20