Melksham residents are being warned that they may not be able to watch TV because of work being done to improve mobile networks in the area.

Mobile upgrade engineering may black out TV for those who have an aerial and watch through Freeview and other providers.

Restore TV is alerting residents that they may lose sound or vision or both.

A spokeswoman said: “Mobile networks are being improved in Melksham, boosting the speed, performance and coverage of mobile services in the area.

“There is a small chance that these upgrades may cause interference to TV services received through an aerial such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk and YouView. Signs include intermittent sound, blocky images or loss of TV signal.

“If viewers do experience interference caused by mobile network upgrades, free support is available from Restore TV. Restore TV is an independent programme run by Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited that resolves TV interference caused by the upgrade of mobile signals.

“Free support is available from Restore TV. Restore TV’s role is to ensure people can continue to enjoy free to view TV when mobile is upgraded in their area. It provides help to anyone experiencing interference to TV services caused by mobile signals.

“Restore TV offers additional support for people who are 75 years of age or older, are registered blind or partially sighted or receive any of the following benefits: personal independence payments, attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Support.”

Ben Roome, CEO of Restore TV, said: “We know just how important TV is to inform, entertain and provide welcome company. Restore TV exists to ensure we all can continue to access free to view TV as mobile services are improved across the country.”

“If you see new TV interference, we’re on hand to help you resolve the issue. We can send a Restore TV filter, free of charge, for you to fit between your aerial lead and TV or set-top box to remove mobile signals and allow you to watch free to view TV as normal. Full instructions are included, and we can provide further advice online and by phone if needed.

“In most instances, fitting the filter will resolve any issues, but if this isn’t the case, we may also be able to arrange a follow-up visit from a Restore TV engineer at no cost, depending on eligibility.”

Cable and satellite TV, such as Sky or Virgin, are not affected. However, viewers with these services, who also watch free to view TV through an aerial, can receive a free Restore TV filter.

Residents are more likely to be affected if they live in an area with weak digital television reception, have a TV signal booster and whose TV aerial is close to a mobile mast.

For residents in flats or communal buildings, Restore TV provides landlords or property managers with support to resolve the problem.

Any viewers who experience new interference to free to view TV should contact Restore TV on: 0808 13 13 800 or online at restoretv.uk