PEOPLE living near to a mobile phone mast in Leeds Road, Otley, were furious when it went up almost two years ago.

With little known about the long-term effects of emissions from the masts, they felt angry that it had gone up quickly and despite protests - because it was said to be under 15 metres high.

But they always argued it was in fact taller than 15 metres and now, some 18 months later, the city council has finally agreed with them.

Enforcement notices are about to be issued to One2One, ordering the mast to be taken down. The company has the right to appeal, but it does look like residents have won their battle.

Now, the residents, weary of their long battle and sceptical of planning procedures, say they will delay their celebrations until the mast finally comes down. Bearing in mind the length of time it took for the mast to be measured, it might be wise.

.... only slowly

With similar sloth-like speed, another step in the transformation of the former Otley Magistrates Court to an arts and community centre has been taken.

Empty now since 1996, the building has been left steadily decaying - despite promises from owners Leeds City Council.

We can only hope that the feasibility study comes up with good news and the building's transformation will not prove to be too excessive - but for every year it is left, the cost can only increase.