PLANS for three new mobile phone masts next to St John's Middle School have been temporarily shelved after pressure from concerned residents.

A meeting at the school saw parents, governors and local residents raise concerns about the scheme for more masts at the telephone exchange off Bromsgrove's Hannover Street.

On Monday planning chiefs agreed to defer Vodafone's application after the phone giant offered to stage a further meeting to explain its need for the masts.

Rev Nigel Marns, the vicar of St John's who organised the meeting at the school, said he hoped the issues raised would be taken into account.

"The number of concerns raised, particularly about the investigation of alternative siting in the nearby countryside, I'm sure will be properly and effectively looked into," he said.

"Vodafone was not able to send a representative, but has offered to hold an open afternoon and evening to explain the need for the masts."

National Grid Wireless, which owns the telephone exchange, also attended the meeting.

A spokesman confirmed that the planning application had been delayed and stressed the importance of consulting local people.

"Our desire to consult local people was clearly visible through the recent meeting. We believe it is important to help people by addressing their concerns."

A spokesman for Vodafone was unable to comment on the application, but said it is well aware of the guidelines protecting people in surrounding areas, with regards to the installation of phone masts.