Hundreds unready for digital dawn

Anyone struggling to use equipment can visit Digital UK help centres

Hundreds of people in West Cumbria will be unable to watch television when the area's analogue signal is turned off.

Most of Whitehaven's 25,000 households have installed Freeview, satellite, cable or broadband since the town's BBC2 channel turned digital in October.

But about 500 have yet to convert ahead of Wednesday, when all other analogue channels will move over to digital.

The firm managing the move has warned anyone still using analogue channels they will be faced with a blank screen.

Digital UK has urged any residents yet to get digital equipment to get in touch.

Help centres

Residents having problems can call a helpline or visit the company's help centres in Whitehaven, Egremont, Cleator Moor and Seascale.

Ford Ennals, Chief Executive of Digital UK, said: "We estimate that around 500 households still need to take action to prepare for switchover.

"On top of that we know that social housing providers and the help scheme are still waiting for some householders to get in touch to arrange delivery or installation.

"Those who may need some advice or assistance should call us on 08456 505050 or visit one of the help centres we are operating across the Copeland area."

About 84% of households across the rest of the UK have already installed digital equipment, according to media watchdog Ofcom.