Digital Switchover Confusion in Berwick and Borders, Warns Beith

12.00.00am GMT Fri 30th Dec 2005

Alan Beith MP has asked Ofcom to clarify arrangements for the switch from analogue to digital

television in the Berwick and Borders area.

Alan said:

"I've asked Ofcom to sort out what is going to happen to TV services in Berwick when digital is

introduced in the borders.

"There are two main transmitters in north Northumberland and the Borders, at Chatton and Selkirk. When the main transmitter is switched from analogue to digital, the smaller transmitter which it feeds will also make the change.

"The problem at Berwick is that the Halidon Hill transmitter broadcasts Border TV, fed to it from Selkirk, and BBC North East, fed to it from Chatton. The Selkirk transmitter is set to go digital in 2008 but Chatton is not due to change until 2012.

"Ofcom needs to tell us when and how the Berwick transmitter will be affected, before people spend money on new digital equipment which may not be necessary for some years."