Protesters against a taxi firm's new radio mast have been frustrated in their attempt to have it taken down.

The owner of Ilkley Taxis, at Unit 14 on the town's Drill Hall Business Park, decided to replace its radio mast.

The new mast, while improving reception, was in a different part of the building, much higher and supported by a network of cables. Nearby residents complained that the new mast was an eyesore.

The firm was told to apply for planning permission but a decision was postponed in October to give the firm a chance to move the new mast away from the houses.

A report to Keighley planning panel said the mast had been moved as far as possible but could not be attached to the furthest side of the building for structural and safety reasons.

Members of the panel granted permission despite renewed objections from the residents.

A spokesman for the residents of Thwaites Avenue, David Roper-Newman, said: "It has been moved slightly but it has not made any difference to the position we explained to the October panel."

Planning panel chairman Chris Greaves (Con, Rombalds) said that members were satisfied the firm had tried to move the mast as far away as possible.

Following the meeting, a spokesman for Ilkley Taxis, which has been operating in the town for ten years, said: "We are very happy with the outcome but we are sorry if we have inconvenienced anybody - it wasn't done intentionally."