Mast plans are reconsidered by O2

A mobile phone company has agreed to reconsider its plans to erect a mast near a Northumberland school after a campaign by parents.

The county council refused Telefonica O2 permission to erect the mast near Darras Hall First School, but failed to notify the firm within 56 days.

As a result, the 41ft (12.5m) high mast looked set to be installed by default.

The phone company has now identified three new sites after agreeing to meet with the council.

I'm cautious about being optimistic because I can't think of another site nearby that would be much better for the school Dr Nigel Twelves, school governor

The local authority has apologised for an "oversight in the interpretation of regulations" which allowed the deadline to pass.

A spokesman for Telefonica O2 said planning officers were happy with their revised proposals.

The sites are "quite close" to the original site, but away from the school, he added.

A formal planning application will now be drawn up and submitted to the council.

A petition signed by about 900 parents and local people was handed to the council after it emerged that the mast could be built.

Dr Nigel Twelves, chairman of governors at the school, said: "We'll eagerly await details of where else it could be built.

"But I'm cautious about being optimistic because I can't think of another site nearby that would be much better for the school".