Just last month the mobile phone giant told the Weekly News it would carry out a review of the decision and the reasons for refusal of masts at Beehive Hill and Oaks Road before an appeal would be considered.

But this week Kenilworth MP Jeremy Wright has revealed they have decided not to appeal, but are keen to look at other areas in the town.

Mr Wright said: "This is great news for the residents in these two areas and shows that people can really make a difference. Vodafone does want to talk to residents at another point, however, to discuss where future masts could go."

The proposals were thrown out by Warwick District Council planners twice last year, but the phone company is still looking at Kenilworth as a serious option for a new mast.

In December Vodafone's public affairs manager and planning consultants, along with seven residents concerned about prospective masts, met with Mr Wright.

He requested the meeting to give residents the opportunity to question Vodafone directly on the assumption that there would be appeals and to explore the reasoning for pursuing these locations.

Joe Rukin, who led the protests earlier this year when the plans were first revealed, agreed that "in principle" it was "great news, but would reserve judgement".

He added: "It's great news they have decided to do this and listen to us. Perhaps they know it will be more hassle than it's worth for them if they went ahead.

"I don't really understand why they have decided this now though. I think it is a bit strange.

"They asked for a public consultation and they got one. We told them where the best place we thought it could go. But they didn't listen so I am not convinced they will listen now.

"I don't have a great deal of faith in them and if they do wish to meet with us then I can tell you it will be a short conversation. We have said from the start we think Fernhill Farm will be the best location as there are already a lot of masts there."

A spokesperson from Vodafone was not available at the time of going to press.