THE Bourne campaigners who have been fighting the erection of a phone mast in the village are celebrating after hearing that O2 (formerly BT Cellnet) has withdrawn its plans.

The latest figures released by the Radio Communications Agency revealed that it would have exposed children at the Bourne School to the highest level of radiation recorded at a school site.

Niki Hearnshaw, of the Bourne Mast Action Group was "delighted" when The Herald broke the news to her of the phone company's announcement.

She said: "The whole village will be filled with joy at this decision. I would like to thank all the campaigners, and The Herald, whose coverage has been invaluable."

"People have been emotional over this as there are no conclusive figures.

"There are cancer research studies being conducted into the effects of these sites, but that will take three to five years. Until then, vulnerable children should not be used as guinea pigs."

The initial application (in April 2001) for the mast, at the junction with Lodge Hill Road and Frensham Road, was greeted with outrage by residents.

It was to be located merely several hundred metres from the Bourne School, which prompted angry responses from parents, teachers and governors alike.

After this was turned down by Waverley borough planners, the phone company lodged an appeal at the end of last year which was successful.

This prompted a deluge of local opposition, including a street demonstration attended by Virginia Bottomley, in which they registered their disgust at the plans.

A heated meeting between O2 and The Bourne residents took place at the village school, though this was after its appeal against the decision.

This was not regarded as a proper consultation process by Niki Hearnshaw, who believed the company's lack of communication contravened government guidelines.

Headteacher of Bourne School Karin Cooper was relieved at the decision, agreeing with Niki Hearnshaw that "children should not be used as guinea pigs".

She said: "I am absolutely delighted to hear this news. It is very interesting that they are withdrawing these plans after the release of information showing children would have been exposed to the highest levels of radiation waves in the country."

David Munro, county councillor for Farnham South, who has been involved in the campaign against the mast, said it was an "excellent outcome".

He praised the work of the Bourne Mast Group and town councillor Carole Cockburn, who has also been a strong supporter of the group's activities.

Speaking on the mast decision, communications officer for 02, said: "The village site was not our first choice, as we wanted to build the mast in the Bourne Woods, but were given a whole list of reasons why we could not by Waverley planning department.

"We have decided not to go ahead with the Bourne site which has caused so much consternation within the community.

"The decision is due to network requirements, as this site would not fulfil our long-term targets, so we will be searching for a joint site in the area with Orange."

He did not believe the decision was influenced by pressure put on them, although he said that concerns regarding the scheme had been acknowledged.

In response to claims that his company had not liaised with residents, he said they had "continually been in contact with them", and had personally visited the site twice.

As for health concerns regarding mobile masts, he said there was no evidence to suggest any health effects resulting from them.

A spokesperson for O2 added that it was "extremely unlikely" they would move to place a mast on the site in the future.