CAMPAIGNERS against controversial plans for a mobile phone mast in Crewe met with local MP Edward Timpson last week.

The politician met with representatives from O2 and the campaign group NO2O2 to discuss possible alternatives to the mast, planned for the corner of Readesdale Avenue and Valley Road in Wistaston.

Mr Timpson arranged the meeting to try to establish a dialogue between the phone company and local residents who have voiced strong opposition to the mast’s location.

Residents are furious because the mast is within hundreds of metres of three schools and two nurseries, and believe that they were not properly consulted during the planning process.

work on the mast was due to start before Christmas but vigilant campaigners set up camp at the site and refused to allow the contractors to begin work.

And the result has been the same every time contractors have tried since then.

During the meeting Mr Timpson and Alan Cheetham pressed the O2 representative on what alternative sites had been considered, as well as proposing possible solutions that would be acceptable for all sides.

The company has now promised to suspend any building works until they have fully investigated these alternatives.

The MP has now written to O2 to formally request all available information regarding the process.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Timpson said: “It is a pity that it has taken an act of civil unrest for O2 to enter into dialogue with my constituents, but at least they now have.

“I think they now realise that this matter is not going to go away, and that the campaign will not stop until we are completely satisfied that all other possibilities have been exhaustively investigated.

"I look forward to hearing what they have done to take account of our concerns.”