LEASEHOLDERS in Stevenage should stop being so selfish when it comes to the Virgin Media switch-off, writes Louise McEvoy. Virgin Media is to completely pull analogue TV transmission in the town on July 1, up to two years ahead of the official digital swi

LEASEHOLDERS in Stevenage should stop being so selfish when it comes to the Virgin Media switch-off, writes Louise McEvoy.

Virgin Media is to completely pull analogue TV transmission in the town on July 1, up to two years ahead of the official digital switchover.

Stevenage Homes and Stevenage Borough Council have stepped in to ensure analogue TV channels 1-5 will still be available to tenants in flats and sheltered housing schemes until the official switchover, by fitting communal aerial systems.

Leaseholders will be billed up to �250 because it is in their contract that they must pay for any improvement to their building.

Some have spoken out against the plans. The same argument keeps being repeated - the few leaseholders who already have a digital TV system in place do not want the upgrade.

They have refused to consider the bigger picture - the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

In a tower block, for instance, it is hardly fair to deprive the majority to meet the request of a handful of people.

Perhaps if they took a moment to walk in someone else's shoes they would realise the impact their selfish views would have if they were actually entertained.

Some of the town's most vulnerable people, such as those in financial hardship and the elderly, would automatically suffer.