HASLEMERE residents who won their battle against plans to erect a phone mast, say they will continue their fight to oppose an appeal lodged by mobile phone giants, Orange.

The group of residents from Critchmere Lane celebrated their victory against the planning application in January of this year, but last week Orange lodged an appeal with the Secretary of State for permission to build the 15 metre mast.

After receiving a petition and 24 letters of objection, Waverley Borough Council turned down the application on the grounds it would lead to an "unacceptable loss of amenity" to local residents.

But Orange claims in its appeal statement that the mast, which is proposed to be erected on the southern tip of the Critchmere Lane sewage treatment works, "will not appear unduly prominent, set as it is within the 'industrial' context of the sewage treatment works".

Local resident and anti-mast campaigner Bela Hartmann, told The Herald he is confident that he and the other residents opposing the mast can make a "really good case" against Orange.

More than 80 signatures from residents were collected on the anti-mast petition which was circulated when the mast plans were first submitted in September of last year.

"We will certainly get as many if not more signatures as before," said a determined Mr Hartmann.

He added that the group were not opposing the "aesthetic principles" of the mast but felt government guidelines stating that the number of mobile phone masts should be kept to a minimum should be observed by the mobile phone company.

"A number of residents in the area use Orange phones and have no problems with reception, but Orange claims the area has 'medium' coverage and that the mast is needed. We just feel that worry the mast would cause people is unnecessary," said Mr Hartmann.

The appeal will be decided by written representations and a site visit from a government planning inspector. All comments which had been made after the original application will be sent to the inspector, along with any further comments from residents, councillors, and planners.

Anyone wishing to comment on the appeal should send three copies of their statements to the planning inspectorate by July 3.