SPARE a thought, today, for the good folk of Claines who are planning a round-the-clock human barrier against a "temporary" phone mast due to reach for the sky on farmland near their homes.

They're concerned Vodafone will be encouraged to try and do this again and again, unless they do something about it.

It isn't hard to understand why they're wary of the company's intentions.

In one breath, a Vodafone spokesman has insisted they "appreciate the residents' concerns". In another, she confirmed they'll be building the mast "where planned".

If anyone thinks staging such a mentally and physically-gruelling protest is somehow going over the top - especially as autumn turns cold and wet - they ought to think again.

For most of us, looking on from our warm homes, whether this is the place to position a mast is neither here nor there.

Our backing should simply be for people who believe their lives are going to be blighted.

If Vodafone doesn't step back, the protesters will need the weight of public support behind them once initial enthusiasm is spent and grim determination is all that's left.

They hope to prove that, in an age when big business regularly rides roughshod over the little fella, unmoved about the consequences, the little fella can win.

And it's in the interests of the whole community that they do. From time to time, David needs to slay Goliath - or at least force him into behaving reasonably and responsibly.

We wish them good luck, good weather and a successful outcome.