Decision over police radio mast

Legal action is to be taken to bring down a police communications mast.

It was put up last month in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, after Airwave, the company responsible, was refused permission to extend another mast.

Airwave said that because the mast on the Beresford Industrial Estate was only due to be in place for six months they did not need planning permission.

But city councillors have agreed with planners, who said the structure had been put up illegally.

Councillors have now instructed planning officers to take all necessary action, including getting a court order, to force Airwave to take the mast down.

Airwave is working on an integrated communications system which will serve all police forces.