MP in compensation call after weeks without signal

4 hours ago

Hayley CoyleYorkshire

News image — The damaged O2 mast at Wyke affected customers' lives and livlihood, said Kate Dearden (stock image)

Getty A telecommunications tower fitted with multiple antenna panels rises against a clear, bright blue sky. The structure is tall and metallic, with several circular platforms and railings positioned at different heights. Rectangular antenna units extend outward in multiple directions around the tower, along with smaller antenna rods and equipment mounted near the top. The image focuses tightly on the upper portion of the tower, with no surrounding buildings or landscape visible. — The damaged O2 mast at Wyke affected customers' lives and livlihood, said Kate Dearden (stock image)

An MP is calling for compensation for residents who went without their mobile phone service for 11 weeks due to a damaged mast.

The faulty 02 mast at Wyke, in West Yorkshire, meant locals in the Northowram area could not use their phones, causing "widespread disruption" and leaving some feeling like they had been "blacklisted".

Halifax's Labour MP Kate Dearden said the issue was "completely unacceptable" and said she would fight for compensation for those who had been affected.

Following a campaign, O2 has now confirmed the mast has been fixed but Dearden said: "People deserve far better than this and these companies must recognise the impact this disruption has had on local communities."

Alongside O2 customers, Vodafone, Tesco, Sky, Lebara and Asda Mobile customers were also affected.

The disruption led to missed appointments, challenges to local businesses and making it difficult for families and friends to get together, Dearden said.

She added that residents have been asked by the mobile phone companies to submit claims directly to their providers and she encouraged anyone whose levels of service have not resumed to their usual standard to get in touch with her.

LDRS A person with long, light-coloured hair stands outdoors in front of a stone building with dark window frames. The person is wearing a bright red sleeveless top with large buttons down the front. The background appears slightly out of focus, showing textured stone walls and greenery at ground level. The image is a close-up portrait, with soft natural lighting highlighting the subject against the darker architectural backdrop. — Dearden also urged customers who are still facing issues to get in touch

Residents complained the company had been unacceptably slow to fix the issue and did not provide clear or frequent communications or updates.

O2 previously apologised for inconvenience caused.

Dearden said: "Whilst I welcome the fact that, after sustained pressure, mobile service has now resumed, it is completely unacceptable that residents were left without a reliable signal for 11 weeks.

"That is why I am continuing to press for compensation for affected residents and businesses."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.