A MAP showing where all the mobile phone companies are thinking of siting masts in the borough is being put together by the local council.

Once completed, the map will be made available for members of the public to look at to see whether any masts are likely to appear in their neighbourhood.

Cllr Paula Baker, Cabinet member for forward planning, said the map plan is a big step forward.

She explained: "There is an agreement that operators have signed up to that says they will make information available on the coming year's programme of new masts they need and will supply it to the local authority in the Autumn once a year.

"They come in different formats and the council officers are working with them to try and get everything on one map."

In the meantime, the borough council is continuing to work towards producing a strategic plan with the service providers.

Council members last met with them on October 30 to continue looking at ways of improving joint working over the siting of masts and telecommunications equipment.

Cllr Baker said: "The purpose of meeting has been an ongoing dialogue to see how much information the operators are prepared to share with each other and with the local community."

She added: "It's not something that happens anywhere else."

To address the request of residents groups wanting three-way discussions with the council and mobile phone companies, a round table meeting will be held before the end of the year to talk about how the process can work for the future and to find out what their expectations are.