CAMPAIGNING residents have won a two-week delay in their bid to stop a phone mast being erected in the centre of Warminster.

Work was due to begin on the mast, on top of the old telephone exchange in East Street, yesterday.

But Telecoms company Hutchison 3G has agreed to hold more talks before erecting the mast after last-minute negotiations with MP Andrew Murrison and West Wiltshire District Council.

Company representatives are due to meet the council and Dr Murrison next Friday in an attempt to resolve the long-running issue.

Provided they follow guidelines, firms have permitted development rights for structures such as phone masts. This means they do not need the backing of council planners to erect them.

Hutchison 3G, which started the UK's first video mobile network this year, wants the mast to improve its coverage.

Residents say the firm has failed to consider alternative sites for the mast, a requirement of the industry's code of practice.

Campaign leader James Lawrence, of Yard Court, East Street, lives next door to the mast site. He said: "The company has never admitted it was wrong in the first place. It said it was a permitted development and as a result no consultation was needed."

In November councillors turned down an application for the mast, arguing the firm had not followed guidelines. Mr Lawrence said: "Despite this the company tried to push it through on May 13 when the planning portfolio had not been decided. The only thing the council can do now is issue an article four directive, which refers the matter to John Prescott.

"If they don't issue an article four, this will be a breach of article eight of the European Convention on Human Rights."

Among those opposing the mast is nearby New Close Primary School. School governor Rob Conway said: "Feelings are running strong. This could damage our ability to attract children to the school. They can't understand why this development is where it is.

"Numbers at New Close are always fluctuating depending on which regiments are around, because it is an army school. They feel the council has an obligation to block the mast on behalf of the children and parents. The school thought it had been done and dealt with."

Hutchison 3G spokesman Mike Dobson said: "We have been liaising with the MP's office and the council. We are looking to have a meeting with the council soon to answer any questions."