In 2005, residents fought what they thought was a successful battle to stop phone giant Vodafone from building a 12 metre-high mast on the grassy area east of Waterlees Road and west of Lynn Road.

Residents understood permission was turned down in February 2006 but it has transpired the mast can go ahead because Fenland Council did not say it was refusing the application when it asked for more information.

The council has confirmed that due to a technical issue with the refusal, Vodafone can go ahead with the plan.

Both the company and council say they have tried to find other sites but haven't found any suitable alternatives.

This has left residents both shocked and angry.

A council spokesperson explained: "When Vodafone sought prior approval for their plans on highway land back in 2005, we were required to respond within 56 days. We did so but asked for more information to better inform our opinion.

"Our approach, and that of other local authorities too, was to ask for more information without adding that we were refusing approval in the meantime. This became a requirement as a result of a change in the wording of legislation in 2001.

"We have been working with Vodafone for several months to find an alternative site, but Vodafone's technical people have ruled out all our suggestions as unsuitable."

Residents are trying to carry on their fight but understand the only two options available to them are to report the matter to the local Ombudsman or apply for a judicial review, which could cost thousands of pounds.

One resident said: "It's not looking very good at the moment. I was told we could complain to the Ombudsman or go for a judicial review which could cost £30,000.

"I don't know where we can go. We may need to get some legal advice."

A spokesman for Vodafone said: "The proposed Vodafone radio base station at Waterlees Road/Lynn 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.

"The council have acknowledged that planning permission for this site was obtained in 2006 and recently we have been working with the council to find an alternative site.

"This search has not been able to find a suitable alternative and therefore development at the site has commenced."

Wisbech Town councillors recently had notification of two other sites Vodafone is considering as possible base stations.

No planning applications have yet been submitted for these. They are for an eight-metre high antennae at Money Bank and a 15m antennae at the sewage treatment works at Lynn Road.