Two Winchester mothers who this week lost a four-year fight against an Orange phone mast near their children's school, say they may take the case to the House of Lords.

The pledge came after the law lords dismissed the appeal by Catherine St Ledger Davey and Diane Harrison on behalf of their children, Phoebe (6) and James (7), both pupils at Western Primary School.

Mrs St Ledger Davey, of Chilbolton Avenue and Mrs Harrison, of Poets Way, say they will fight on and seek permission to put their case before the highest court in the land. "I'm very disappointed," said Mrs St Leger-Davey. "Everyone living near the site and the school will be horrified the mast may well go up now. But we haven't given up and are looking at the possibility of taking our case to the House of Lords."

Commenting on the decision, Winchester, MP, Mark Oaten, said: "After almost four years of battling, I'm obviously very disappointed at the outcome.

"This decision to allow Orange to put a mast near Western School is a real blow to my constituents, who have run a fantastic campaign and will feel very let down."

Calling for stronger laws to allow planners to reject masts cited near schools, the MP added: "The effect of this decision will be widespread and I believe it should go to the House of Lords as a final step."

Anti-mast campaigner, Karen Barratt, said she was disappointed, but not surprised by the outcome. "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. Whatever happens, the battle of Byron Avenue is not over."

The Appeal Court refused to grant the children permission to appeal, so they will now have to ask the law lords directly for leave to take their case further.