Anger over Virgin media's analogue switch-off in stevenage

RESIDENTS have been given notice of just 20 working days that analogue transmission will be switched off, leaving them unable to watch some television channels.

Last week The Comet reported that Virgin Media will switch off analogue transmission to its cable users in Stevenage on July 1 - up to 21 months ahead of the national digital switchover, which will convert analogue television to digital.

But residents have now received letters notifying them some analogue channels will cease broadcasting from April 1.

On angry resident said: "I now have just 20 working days to make other arrangements.

"I think Virgin's lack of notice and extremely premature decision is appalling."

A spokesman for Virgin Media said: "Only a small amount of customers in Stevenage receive their TV services via our analogue network and these customers already have the cabling to take our digital TV services.

"Although some analogue channels will cease broadcasting on April 1, we have agreed to provide terrestrial channels one to five until July 1.

"Our contract entitles us to serve 30 days notice, but we have given the council seven months notice."

Stevenage Homes said it will arrange for new communal aerial systems for flat blocks and sheltered housing schemes so residents can continue to view channels one to five in analogue until the official switchover.

But leaseholders are annoyed Stevenage Homes has failed to publicise it is charging leaseholders up to �250 to do this.

A spokesman for Stevenage Homes said: "The terms of all leaseholders' leases state they must pay a share of the cost of any improvement of the building."

A public meeting will be held at 8pm on Tuesday at Stevenage Borough Council's offices in Danestrete, for residents to learn more about the digital switchover.