Householders opposed to the siting of a 72ft phone mast near their north Oxford homes are celebrating after they prevented it being installed.

The protesters in north Oxford

Up to 40 people staged a protest outside BT's exchange on the corner of Oakthorpe Road and Stratfield Road, Summertown, yesterday, after learning of plans by BT contractors, Crown Castle, to lift the mast into position. Protesters parked their cars on both sides of nearby streets, preventing a lorry delivering the mast.

Protester Peter Boult, of Oakthorpe Road, said: "It is a crazy place to put a mast."

Crown Castle spokesman Steve Arnold said the firm wanted to talk over protesters' concerns.