THE campaign by Bourne residents opposed to the erection of a 48 foot mast at the Bourne crossroads received a boost from a meeting at which BT Cellnet representatives agreed to look at alternative locations.

Residents met with BT representatives at the Bourne School to address claims that BT had deliberately misled the public about the amount of radiation pupils at nearby Bourne School would be exposed to if the mast went ahead.

Resident Claudia Swain explained: "In consideration of the strength of public feeling and the grave concerns over this particular site, in terms of local village amenities and health concerns, BT Cellnet has agreed to give a formal undertaking to come back and talk again with Bourne residents and to planners about alternative sites.

"This would be regardless of the outcome of the appeal and in advance of any works commencing on the site."

Nikki Hearnshaw, who has been co-ordinating the campaign, believes that BT had no option but to start looking at other sites.

"We forced them into a corner and I am relieved that they will be considering options proposed by the council such as sites in wooded areas, well away from residents and most importantly away from local schools."

However, Mrs Hearnshaw is unhappy that all the concerns and questions were not addressed to her satisfaction.

"We had prepared a number of technical questions for them to address and they received these in advance.

"However, when it came to it they weren't answering them properly and hiding behind standard replies about been bound to international guidelines. However, as we've found, these guidelines are open to debate."

She continued: "Their technical presentation was little more than a publicity exercise and we cut them short in the end.

"They were talking about the history of radio and not even mentioning the site specifically. I don't think they realise what they are up against - we are a close-knit community and very well-informed and we won't be fobbed off."

Residents also took the opportunity to ask why they and the headteacher of the Bourne School were not kept informed of plans for the mast.

Mrs Swain said: "BT Cellnet offered their apologies but were unable to give any explanation as to why they haven't followed the recommended current procedures and consulted with the school governors and the members of the community who would be directly affected by the siting of the mono pole."

The inspector is due to visit the site in a couple of weeks before deciding the appeal.