Get Us Connected: Mobile phone giants taking action to improve Shropshire signal

It comes after 2,000 people signed the Shropshire Star's Get Us Connected petition calling for EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 to improve their service in rural areas.

Now, Vodafone and O2 have revealed they are set to upgrade more than 70 existing mobile phone base station sites to improve services and roll out 4G across the county.

So far, plans have been submitted by Vodafone and O2 to build an 18 metre and another 22.5 metre phone mast in Telford, with a further seven applications made to extend existing ones in the borough.

But some residents today objected to the plans, despite the call for better signal, due to fears over a potential health risk posed by mobile phone masts.

Ilana Clark, spokesman for Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited on behalf of O2 and Vodafone, said: "Currently Vodafone and O2 are working together to upgrade over 70 existing mobile phone base station sites across Shropshire.

"These upgrades will increased 2G coverage and capacity as well as providing 3G and 4G coverage.

"4G technology will allow our customers to use ultra-fast speeds when browsing the internet, streaming videos, or sending emails wherever they are. It also means faster downloads on the go.

"We are proactively engaging with the planning departments of both Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Councils to assist in streamlining these upgrades."

Plans have been received by Telford & Wrekin Council to build an O2 telecommunications mast at Apley Roundabout, Leegomery.

It would include a 22.5 metre high street pole with six antennas and cabinets.

Another application was submitted for an 18.5 metre Vodafone mast on Cemetery Road, Dawley Bank.

Six other Vodafone applications were today under consideration for the replacement of a 14.8 metre with a 21 metre mast in Old Park, Telford, a 12 metre with a 15 metre mast in Woodhouse Central in Telford Town Central, a 15 metre with a 17.5 metre mast in Hortonwood, a 17.5 metre with a 20 metre mast in Stirchley, a 12 metre with an 17.5 metre mast in Whitchurch Drive, Wellington, and an 11.8 metre mast to be replaced with a 17.5 metre mast on Marshbrook Way, Muxton.

Plans would also see six antennas replaced on an existing mast in Spring Hill Wellington.

Paul Edwards, chairman of Old Park Residents' Association, said he was part of a group of residents on Old Park Way, Telford, who objected to the nearby O2 mast when it was built several years ago and when it was extended from 12 metres to 14.8 metres high.

He said: "I live 100 metres away from this mast and as far as we are concerned the health risks haven't been proven.

"I would like to air on the side of caution and it would make sense to put these masts away from residential homes."