SITE operators have issued a new update today which says that two new developments will mean a “significant improvement” for many viewers in the North East.

The developments are set to improve services for those in Darlington, Stockton, Catterick, Leyburn, Masham, and Ripon.

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In a recent update given last night, the site operator said that fire services were able to get access to the base of the TV mast “for the first time.”

A spokesperson for Arqiva said: “Later today, we expect to return digital radio services from SDL and D1 from Eston Nab, providing digital radio on those multiplexes for much of Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and the coast to Hartlepool.

“We continue to be in constant dialogue with all our broadcaster customers, Freeview and our regulator Ofcom regarding our plans, and updating MPs to keep them informed.

“As per our previous update, we now expect to have completed the improvement of TV coverage from Eston Nab, and also the installation of a further 15m mast at a site in Arncliffe Wood by the weekend.

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“These two developments should deliver a significant improvement in TV coverage for viewers in the areas including Darlington, Stockton, Catterick, Leyburn, Masham and Ripon. We will update viewers on any action they need to take with further updates later this week.

“Work on phase 2 of the recovery plan continues. We still anticipate the temporary mast to be effective by 28 August and are currently awaiting arrival of the 250 tonnes of concrete blocks that will make sure the 80-metre temporary mast remains in place once it is raised.”

A Freeview spokesperson said that some people might be able to reposition their aerial to receive more signals, but there is “no guarantee” it will work.

They said: “Repositioning your aerial so that it takes a signal from a different transmitter may be an option for some viewers who wish to attempt to get some signal back in the short term. 

“However, there's no guarantee that another transmitter is available (reception is highly dependent on several factors such as local geography between you and the transmitter), and the signal quality might be variable. 

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“If you choose to have your aerial repositioned and pay for an installer to do this, you may wish to then have it repositioned again when service from Bilsdale is restored. 

“If you wish to have your aerial repositioned, please do not attempt this yourself.”

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