Bilsdale mast fire: Stockton North MP says constituents are 'lonely' without TV coverage and demands inquiry into shutdown response

Signal problems triggered by a fire at the 1,000-ft transmitter near Helmsley in the North York Moors last month continue to hit a number of customers despite service being restored for more than 400,000 people in the region.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham has demanded action from watchdog Ofcom after accusing operator Arqiva of offering limited support to elderly and vulnerable folk a month on from the blaze.

The Labour MP said: “As the Bilsdale Transmitter site operator, Arqiva has a responsibility to ensure that services are up and running and people are supported through this process.

“They are falling short at every turn and I was surprised to hear that rather than providing a fully staffed helpline, Arqiva are simply providing an automated message for anyone looking to find out when they might get a full service back.

“Last week a 93-year-old constituent told me how, along with her friends of a similar age, they are unable to receive services and haven’t the first idea how to adjust their sets.

“She told me how lonely she has been without the television, adding that she didn’t want compensating, she wanted a working TV.”

Concern over Arqiva’s response to the troubles has seen Mr Cunningham write to Ofcom chief Melanie Dawes calling for a “full inquiry”.

The Telecoms giant was caught in a legal wrangle over efforts to erect a temporary mast to restore services following the blaze.

There have been fears some people could be without a signal for two months. However, an update from Arqiva chiefs is expected to be made on Wednesday.

An Arqiva spokesperson “wholeheartedly apologised” for the disruption caused to people’s everyday lives.

“Especially those who rely on television for companionship,” she added.

“We recognise the frustrations of those who are still without TV.

“We would like to reassure everyone that we are doing everything in our power to bring services back for as many people as possible as quickly as we can.

“Our teams are working around the clock and our recovery plans have meant that many people have had their services restored.

“Our plans have included using a combination of our existing sites and temporary structures where we have been able to, and planning for the building of an 80m temporary mast on land near the existing mast.

“We are ready to begin the build as soon as we have secured the permissions required to do so.

“These processes are not under our direct control and we continue to require the help and support of our partners to achieve the permissions we need as quickly as possible so we can restore services to the people who need them.

“We will provide an update on progress as soon as we can.”