PROTESTORS fighting the building of a mobile phone mast on their street claim mobile phone firm O2 asked contractors to stop work.

Residents of Lodge Road, Caerleon were shocked when the firm turned up to start work despite planning permission being refused by Newport councillors.

But planners didn't notify O2 they needed 'prior approval' for the development and O2 had permission by default.

Up to ten residents have been on site every day this week to stop work, and residents claim yesterday O2 agreed to meet them to discuss their concerns on April 12.

Resident Gail Hookham claimed: "They promised not to go on to the site to start work until after this meeting. We think this is good news and a positive step forward."

But protestors are vowing to stay on site until the meeting anyway.