'Victory' for residents as mast plans withdrawn

Charlie Twigg and Helen Elvins led the campaign against the mast

Plans for a 98-foot (30m) mast in Redditch have been withdrawn after a u-turn by National Grid - with residents calling it a "victory for people power".

The organisation wanted to install it in one of its sub-stations off Malvern Road, in the middle of a residential area, leading to 500 people signing a petition.

The plans have now been withdrawn and the utility company said it was "always committed to listening" to the public.

Helen Elvins, a resident who lives near the site, said: "It's such a relief - we feel like we've made history in Redditch."

Residents said it would ruin the view and be overbearing, and there were also concerns it would displace wildlife.

National Grid has said it will look at alternative sites

Ms Elvins said: "It's amazing news not just for people in our area, but across Redditch.

"It still hasn't really sunk in. It's a huge victory for our community, and a testament to what we can achieve when we get together - and we all stood together.

"We were so happy, we were in tears. This was never the right place for it.

"I'd like to say thank you to National Grid for listening to us - we are really grateful that they've listened."

Residents spent several weeks collecting signatures against the plan

National Grid had previously said the mast would serve as a "communications tower", allowing it to improve the way it monitors the distribution of electricity.

The u-turn follows a public meeting last week, in which residents hit out at the location of it and called for it to be withdrawn.

Phil Rigden, head of telecoms at National Grid, said: "We'd like to thank residents for their engagement at last week's public meeting, which was respectful, productive, and provided us with valuable feedback.

"At the meeting we committed to looking at alternative sites to bolster the reliability and security of the region's electricity supply.

"To make good on that commitment, we have opted to withdraw the current application so we can fully focus resources on finding a new site for the mast.

"We hope this provides the local community with clarity, certainty, and the reassurance that we are always committed to listening to the communities we serve."