On January 2, The Argus reported a phone mast being erected at the top of Fairview Rise in Westdene. Even though Brighton and Hove City Council regarded the site as inappropriate, it failed to object in time and the mast went up. Residents were not consulted or informed. I believe Orange claim a notice was put on the lamppost in the middle of the traffic island - where no one ever walks, of course.

On January 4, I wrote to the council's chief executive demanding to know the following: When and how had the phone company carried out its responsibility to notify local people? Which council department was responsible for informing Orange of the council's refusal for its application? Why had it not done so and who was in charge? Finally, did the council stand to gain commercially, in any way, from the phone masts going up all over the city?

On January 10, the council wrote informing me my letter had been referred to its environment and housing department and aimed to send a response within ten working days. On January 11, the council wrote to say my letter had been logged as a Stage 1 complaint and I would receive a written response within ten working days. I heard nothing and phoned in March, April and May. Each time, I was promised a rapid response. Each time, I received nothing.

The council's utterly incompetent, cavalier attitude to residents and taxpayers on this issue is a staggering disgrace. After all, it only had a mere 42 days to write a letter to Orange informing the company of the council's refusal.

That it did not do so should be a matter of public interest. Is this only a cynical indifference to those it is the council's duty to serve?

-Michael Winter, Hillcrest, Westdene