MOBILE phone company O2 has resurrected plans for a 40ft-high mast at the heart of a York community - only a month after it agreed to withdraw an application for the site.

Astonished Fulford residents learned of the dramatic U-turn when they received letters stating O2 planned to put a 2G mast at the junction of Heslington Lane and Broadway.

The application was first submitted to City of York Council in 2001 and was unanimously rejected on the strength of objections.

But, without the knowledge of residents, a Government inspector overturned the decision in June 2002. This only came to light when O2 made a new application in January to upgrade any future mast to allow 3G coverage.

To the delight of campaigners, this upgrade application was withdrawn after Selby MP John Grogan discovered O2 had not complied with a planning code of conduct, requiring companies to undertake consultation with local people. O2 said at the time it would possibly exercise existing rights in the future.

O2 spokeswoman Viv Ashby confirmed today: "We are looking again at the opportunity. We put this letter to residents to try and put their minds at rest over health fears."

Representatives of the company are to meet Mr Grogan, Fulford councillor Keith Aspden and Fulford parish councillors on Monday.

Mr Grogan, who has backed local residents in their fight since 2001, expressed disappointment that O2 had made such a quick turnaround.

"The original application was not enough for them a month ago and I think there are some questions that need asking."

Mr Grogan said he was hoping to look at alternative sites with the company or a possible "mast share".

"I think it would be economical for them to look at a site where there would not be the same controversy, but at least they have informed the residents this time."

Updated: 09:16 Saturday, March 13, 2004