BOSSES at the company that runs the fire-hit Bilsdale Mast in North Yorkshire have outlined plans to restore TV services and help vulnerable people.

Bilsdale Mast was damaged by fire on August 10, leading to hundreds of thousands of people across the region losing TV and radio signals.

Since the blaze, the company that runs the site, Arqiva, says it has been working to restore vital services to those affected, including erecting more temporary masts.

Paul Donovan, the chief executive of Arqiva, this week met representatives from local authorities, housing associations and charities from across the region to set out proposals to restore TV services.

Mr Donovan said an 80-metre temporary mast, near the original site, will be erected next week and is expected to restore services to more than 95 per cent of households.

Mr Donovan also set out plans to help those people who will still not have a full service once the temporary mast is switched on.

A dedicated call centre will open shortly, and a new online hub will be launched providing updated information and a place where people can register their postcodes and details to get support.

Those attending the meeting were shown maps of the region highlighting so called ‘not-spots’ of coverage which will need further support. Engineers will be sent out to help households, said Arqiva.

Mr Donovan also announced initial support of £150,000 for three regional charities to help people affected.

Helicopters are lifting the temporary mast into place and the damaged mast is to be dismantled.

The temporary mast is due to be switched on Tuesday, October 5, if the weather permits. Checks on the temporary mast will disrupt TV services the day before on Monday, October 4, the company warned.

Mr Donovan said: “Arqiva is absolutely committed to restoring services to those who are affected as quickly as possible, and to supporting the most vulnerable people as a priority.”

Helen Hunter, chief executive of North Yorkshire and Darlington Age UK, said: “While Arqiva is making progress, we all need to help with the efforts to restore this vital service as quickly as possible.”