PEOPLE power has struck in Rochester after campaigners stopped a mobile phone mast being erected next to a primary school. Phone company One2One applied to Medway Council to have the phone mast built on top of Rochester police station in Cazeneuve Street.

But they didn't reckon with angry residents and parents of pupils at nearby St Margaret's at Troy Town Primary School, who were outraged at the plan. Now the council's area development control west committee has decided to refuse planning permission on visual amenity grounds.

Rod Taylor, head teacher of St Margaret's, believes councillors were swayed by a 150-signature petition organised by campaigner Abigail Waddell. Mr Taylor said: "I'm very pleased with the decision and grateful to the local councillors who held a meeting here with residents. I was dead against the phone mast.

"I don't know much about the science or how dangerous they really are but so long as there's a question mark hanging over them it is insensitive to put one next to a school."

One2One can appeal against the decision but Mr Taylor and the residents are ready for another fight. He added: "I hope One2One doesn't appeal but if they do we're ready to kick up another fuss."