From the Bath Chronicle
It's a phrase we've all used from time to time while using a mobile phone on public transport.
But at a world-famous rail landmark near Bath, it's unlikely anyone has ever said the words "I'm on the train".
In fact, going into Brunel's Box Tunnel means any conversation comes to an abrupt end.
Commuters normally lose signal for around a minute as trains thunder into the two-mile tunnel, and laptops are also affected. Now mobile phone giant Orange is attempting to put that right after applying for permission to put a mast in a neighbouring hamlet.
But the firm's latest application to put up a mast at Hill House Farm near Ditteridge has been rejected by North Wiltshire District Council.
A spokesman for Orange told North Wiltshire District Council's development control committee: "I understand that our national heritage should be protected, but we think it can be maintained because we intend to hide the mast."
The company had planned to disguise the 12ft mast with what they described as a 'stealth design'. This would involve it being surrounded by tall trees.
It would be sited above the Grade II- listed tunnel and would fall within the green belt and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Cllr Tudor Jones said: "It was the right decision not to put such a monstrosity on agricultural land within an AONB.
"We should be encouraging people to preserve the beauty of the area.
"It is possible for a device to be put inside the tunnel, but Network Rail refused this on grounds of safety, which is understandable.
"We are fully aware of the needs of the 21st century, but we do not need to desecrate an AONB for the sake of mobile phones."
It is thought the company will appeal against the decision.
Orange recently won an appeal to site a similar mast at Shockerwick.