DISAPPOINTED Winchester phone mast protesters have vowed to continue their campaign despite losing the latest court battle.

Judges at the High Court in London yesterday dismissed an appeal by two mothers against the granting of planning permission for a mast in Byron Avenue, Fulflood.

Law Lords Pill, Mummery and Laws dismissed the appeal brought by Caroline St Leger Davey and Diane Harrison, who both have children at Western Primary School, which is situated close to the mast site.

The issue in the appeal was whether the planning inspector who upheld Orange's appeal against Winchester City Council's refusal of the 11.79m mast fully understood the nature of the powers that the telecom operators can employ to acquire alternative sites.

The protesters said there were better sites such as the police headquarters, although Hampshire Constabulary say the building is not available.

Campaigner Karen Barratt, of Byron Avenue, said she was disappointed but not surprised by the outcome.

She said: "We've fought this for four years now. We've had our ups and downs but we've kept going. Children's health is all that matters. We're not going to give up.''

Their campaign, which started in December 2000, has included protest marches, petitions and vigils.

Campaigners are now taking legal advice and say there is a strong possibility that the case will be taken to the House of Lords.

Winchester MP Mark Oaten paid tribute to the mast campaigners' protest so far.

He said: "There is no real protection for residents and there needs to be much more clarity with planning in the case of masts. Residents have done a fantastic job.

"The issues now need to be taken to the House of Lords.''

Orange said it will not put up the controversial mast until campaigners have exhausted all their appeal options.