CAMPAIGNERS who hoped to take legal action to stop a controversial Tetra mast planned for Dorchester's Keep, have given up the fight for fear of a massive bill.

More than 500 people signed a petition opposing the antenna proposed by O2 Airwave and designed to improve radio communications for the emergency services.

Members of West Dorset District Council's development control committee had rejected the proposal for the mast disguised as a flagpole on the roof of the military museum on the grounds of its impact on neighbours' amenity and health fears.

However the antenna was finally given the go-ahead after the telecom firm was granted a certificate of lawfulness, which means it does not need planning permission for the proposed use.

A small group of town residents had hoped to get a judicial review on the plans by O2 Airwave for the antenna on the military museum on Bridport Road.

But following talks with counsel they have decided not to push ahead with the plan over concerns they could be left with a huge bill if they were unsuccessful.

Now a letter is being delivered to homes of all those who signed the petition explaining the situation but pledging to keep up the campaign to stop any future masts.

Derek Beauchamp, one of the campaigners who hoped to get the judicial review, has compiled the letter and said it will be delivered to homes over the next few days.

"Sadly none of us was able or willing to gamble our savings by leading an action against West Dorset District Council and O2 Airwaves in seeking a judicial review to set aside the certificate of lawfulness and keep Tetra off The Keep."

He said that the group was considering other avenues and would continue to fight any future applications.