Many residents across the County have been without television since 10 August, due to a significant fire at Bilsdale Transmitter.
NYCC have been working with Arqiva, the owner and operator of the mast to re-start transmission as soon as possible, to improve their communication with affected residents, to provide additional support to vulnerable people, and to seek alternative options where normal TV signal cannot be restored in the short term.
Arqiva has now confirmed that the new 80 metre temporary mast is live, after being switched on yesterday which should restore TV services to approximately 95% of households. Arqiva has advised that users will now need to retune their TVs, with a full guide available here: http://www.bilsdalemast.co.uk/retune-instructions.
Arqiva is however aware that the some households (about 5%) still won’t be able to receive a TV signal, and as such has set up a Help and Support Scheme for everyone affected. This will initially prioritise people over 65, the clinically vulnerable, and other vulnerable people with carers. People in these priority groups are encouraged to contact the Bilsdale Project Restore Support Line on Freephone number 0800 121 4828.
Engineers will be scheduled to visit people who need help retuning TVs or having an aerial repointed. Residents, or people caring for someone in an affected area, can also fill out the Helpline Form at www.bilsdalemast.co.uk to request assistance.
Households in the ‘not-spot’ areas where services aren’t restored by the switch on will receive a voucher which can be redeemed in store or online. This will be included in a letter which will be sent by Arqiva to residents in due course. The value covers the cost of an alternative fix from a range of products providing ways to receive free to air TV.