Vodafone want to place a 13.8m high pole with three antennae and equipment cabinets on the footpath outside the Little Sisters of the Poor care home in Garstang Road.

But Preston Council has received 19 letters of objection including one signed by 14 residents opposed to plans which would impact on the Harris Children's Home Conservation Area.

Michael Farrington, of the Fulwood Conservation Group, said: "There are various grounds on which to object to this. First, it's in a conservation area and would provide a loss of visual amenity in Garstang Road.

"It would clutter up the pavement and make for possible obstruction near a pelican crossing where there are schoolchildren and students from the college as well as people in wheelchairs.

"There is also a potential health risk. The Government says there is no evidence of this. But there is no evidence that they don't create a risk.

"From a public point of view, it would be very dangerous on the pavement.

"Moor Park ward Coun Frank De Molfetta said: "It will be obstructive and an eyesore on an already busy footpath so I am objecting to it. There are also possible health risks with radiation."

Rob Matthews, of Vodafone, said: "The proposed radio base station at Garstang Road is required to improve the 3G coverage to our customers in the area.

"This will provide our customers with access to mobile broadband with speeds similar to those offered by fixed line broadband suppliers.

"This location was chosen after consideration of 11 alternative sites as it provides a backdrop of street furniture against which the proposed street pole will not be visually intrusive."

A Preston Council spokesman said the council had until January 27 to make a decision on the application.

>> Vote in our latest web poll