PROTESTORS calling for a mobile phone mast to be taken down at Larkfield, near Maidstone, claim they have "no hope" after a meeting with Orange.

The mobile phone company agreed to look into ways of making the 15mt mast fit in better with its surroundings at Larkfield Sports Club, New Hythe Lane. But at the meeting with pressure group Larkfield Opposition To Orange (LOTO), the company ruled out taking the mast down - and admitted that some more equipment has yet to be added.

Three satellite dishes will soon be attached to the mast, which LOTO members believe will be permanently powered once an electricity sub-station on the site is finished by Seeboard.

Opposition to the mast began last year after it was put up against the wishes of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council because of a legal loophole in planning laws.

After the meeting with Orange, LOTO chairman David Giddings said: "Orange said there were new standards being put in place and they would be more sympathetic. They gave the impression that they were apologetic for how this mast happened. But nothing will happen for us except they will put a bit of money in to make the mast look a bit decent. The bottom line is that there wasn't going to be any result for us."

Fellow LOTO member Roger Roser said: "We will have a meeting soon to see if there is anything else we can do but once the mast is up and running it is difficult."

An Orange spokesman said: "We have taken the points raised at the meeting on board regarding the visual impact of the transmitter site and we will endeavour to address public concern now and in the future."