Update from Arqiva
I wanted to update you on our efforts to restore TV services to residents across the area affected by the fire at Bilsdale Mast and to thank you for your support so far. As you’re aware, our teams are working around the clock to restore services and we’ve already switched on relay sites at Thirsk and Loftus. Work to switch on more relay sites across the area in the coming days and weeks will further help local people.
Meanwhile, we continue to offer help and support for those affected in a variety of ways and we’d really value your further support and input. While we’re working to restore all services, we’re especially keen to help those people who are older or vulnerable and who still don’t have any TV service at all, and particularly with Christmas fast approaching. We’d like to tap into your local knowledge to reach those groups of older and vulnerable people to provide help, where it’s most needed.
In the next two weeks you will see and hear more activity as part of our Project Restore campaign, including radio and press ads, media plans, leaflet drops and market stalls in the area. Our volunteers will be on a Project Restore stall at Ripon (18 November) and Northallerton (24 November) markets. We’re going to be asking people across the community to look out for neighbours, friends and family or anyone else they know who might still be without any TV service and to encourage them to call the dedicated freephone line.
The aim is to encourage more people to ring our helpline for support and advice on 0800 121 4828, and – if needed – to book a visit from an engineer. We also want people to use the Project Restore website (bilsdalemast.co.uk), to get advice on how to retune their TVs and for other updates and information. For many people, the retune will help them restore the services they miss. There has been good take up so far of the voucher scheme to offer TV streaming devices to people living in “not spot” areas via Currys and we want to reach more vulnerable households.
Any help you can provide to make further progress would be valuable, such as by promoting our efforts on your social media channels. Please let me know if we can support you in helping us reach those still affected via your channels and networks, or through your events and I’ll be able to support by providing you with content, such as leaflets or posters.
Thank you again for your support and I’ll continue to keep you updated on progress.
Kind regards
Rosie Mowatt
Head of Communications
Arqiva