New helpline launched to help those still without signal following the Bilsdale mast fire
A new helpline has been set up to support those still without TV signal following the fire at the Bilsdale mast in North Yorkshire last month.
The number is 0800 121 4828
Those who call will be taken through the latest news and viewing options available to them.
The update is recorded, and will have the most up to date information on the line.
There is also a website for help with retuning: www.freeview.co.uk/bilsdale
We have more information on our website too:
Some Freeview television services for those who receive signals from Arncliffe Wood, which mostly serves the Darlington area have been restored along with those in:
Rookhope
Castleton
Bainbridge
Those living in the following areas may be able to see more channels after engineering work at a temporary transmitter.
Hartlepool
Middlesbrough
Redcar
Stockton
Darlington
Barnard Castle
Richmond
Leyburn
Catterick
Masham
Ripon
Here's the latest statement from Freeview in full:
"If you are served by the Rookhope, Castleton or Bainbridge relay transmitters, you should now see your signal restored following engineering work yesterday.
If you’re in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton, Darlington, Barnard Castle, Richmond, Leyburn, Catterick, Masham or Ripon, you may be able to receive more channels following engineering work at the temporary transmitters serving your areas.
You may need to retune your TV set to ensure your channel list is up to date. For more information as well as advice on how to retune, head to www.freeview.co.uk/bilsdale
While engineering work continues to improve the coverage options, we have also set up a devoted freephone number 0800 121 4828, which will take callers through the latest news and viewing options available to them.
The freephone is a recorded update aimed at making sure that viewers who don’t have access to the internet can easily check if there are any updates for their area, whenever they need to. Alongside this, our adviceline is still available on weekdays for anyone who can’t get online and who needs more detailed help.
With some homes still without service, we want to thank viewers who live in the local area for looking out for those who may still be isolated from their usual source of information and companionship, and for continuing to help us to keep these viewers informed."
Here's some key information about what happened at Bilsdale:
When was the fire? 10 August, 2021
How long have services been out for? Some services have been down for three weeks
How many have had their services restored? The exact number is not known but some are now receiving signals from other masts, with no date for when the others will be connected.
Who operates Bilsdale mast? Arqiva
What is the advice for those who still have no services? Maxwells of Northallerton advise retuning your set. If you have any problems call your TV manufacturer, dealer or Freeview.
Bilsdale signal advice
Freeview have suggested that those still without signal take the following steps:
"We advise all viewers who are struggling to pick up a signal on their TV to try an automatic retune (even if this has happened recently). You can learn how to do this with our retune videos. Area-specific information is below.
Bilsdale advice if you live...
South of Bilsdale (including in and around northern parts of York, Harrogate, Pickering, Ripon and Masham)
South of Bilsdale (including in and around northern parts of York, Harrogate, Pickering, Ripon and Masham)
You may receive some channels from the new transmitter at Sutton Bank. If you haven’t retuned since the fire, you may see some channels restored automatically. If you don’t see any channels, please try an automatic retune.
If you retuned before 7th September and you have intermittent reception, we recommend you carry out another automatic retune as the signal from Sutton Bank may well be stronger.
If an automatic retune does not restore any channels unfortunately it is unlikely that you will be able to receive a signal until further transmitter work is completed.
North-west of Bilsdale (including in and around Darlington, Barnard Castle, Richmond, Catterick and Leyburn)
North-west of Bilsdale (including in and around Darlington, Barnard Castle, Richmond, Catterick and Leyburn)
If you do not have any channels, we recommend you carry out an automatic retune.
Some viewers who retuned since the fire and had some channel restored may find that they have recently lost them. If this is the case, please carry out another automatic retune.
If an automatic retune does not restore any channels unfortunately it is unlikely that you will be able to receive a signal until further transmitter work is completed.
North of Bilsdale (including in and around Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, and Stockton)
North of Bilsdale (including in and around Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, and Stockton)
If you do not have any channels, we recommend you carry out an automatic retune.
On 2nd September, more channels were restored to some viewers in these areas. Coverage is limited but if you’ve not retuned since 2nd September, we recommend that you do so to ensure that you have as many channels available to you as possible.
If an automatic retune does not restore any channels unfortunately it is unlikely that you will be able to receive a signal until further transmitter work is completed.
If you take your signal from any of Bilsdale’s relays (see list below)
If you take your signal from any of Bilsdale’s relays (see list below)
Whitby, Bainbridge, Grinton Lodge, Guisborough, Ravenscar, Limber Hill, Skinningrove, Romaldkirk, West Burton, Aislaby, Castleton, Rookhope, Rosedale Abbey ane Peterlee
You should have seen channels restored. If you haven’t please run an automatic retune.
"If an automatic retune does not restore any channels - irrespective of whether you live in the areas mentioned above - unfortunately it is unlikely that you will be able to receive a signal until further transmitter work is completed."
What should I do if I can’t get Freeview reception and don’t want to wait for the Bilsdale temporary transmitter?
1. Find out whether repositioning your aerial could restore some channels
Repositioning your aerial so that it takes a signal from a different transmitter may be an option for some viewers who wish to attempt to get some signal back in the short term. However, there's no guarantee that another transmitter is available (reception is highly dependent on several factors such as local geography between you and the transmitter), and the signal quality might be variable..
If you choose to have your aerial repositioned - which should only be carried out by a professional and experienced installer - you may wish to then have it repositioned again when service from Bilsdale is restored. Please do not attempt this yourself. Look for a local accredited installer at:
2. Stay watching TV for free with Freesat
If you have an existing satellite dish at your home, or wish to get one installed, see Freesat’s guide to switching to see whether watching free TV through them might be for you.