The mobile phone giants had originally planned to install the antenna near Ribbleton Library but this was met with fierce opposition from councillors and residents.

Now the company has applied to Preston Council to erect a 22.6m mast at the RSPCA shelter on Ribbleton Lane.

Three antennas will be on top of a 20m pole to provide extra coverage for users in the Ribbleton area of the city.

But the plan has been met with fierce opposition from local people, who are furious that the company has moved the mast just a few hundred yards.

Mother-of-two Sian Moore, from Ribbleton Hall Drive, is furious Vodafone has resubmitted the application. She said: "We have been given no information about it, except three signs have gone up on lampposts nearby.

"I've grave concerns for the health of my sons as this mast is so close to where we live."

Heather Holmes of the RSPCA said: "There is no real reason why it should not go there.

"The trustees have discussed it and if there is space then we do not see it as a problem."