REDBROOK residents have lost out on a scheme to improve mobile phone coverage because a badger sett was found on the site of a proposed telecom mast.
However, the discovery of a badger sett prompted Arqiva Ltd, the company behind the proposals, to rethink its plans and the deadline to apply for funding was missed.
Richard Crighton, clerk to Newland Parish Council said: “The right place was found for the mast and an application was submitted but a badger sett was found and needed rethinking the whole application.
“To benefit from he scheme the planning application had to be submitted and approved before the deadline which has elapsed.
“We were hoping the mast would provide coverage for walkers along the Offas Dyke path.”
Terry Hale, Conservative district councillor for Newland and St Briavels, said: “There is a blackspot for mobile phone signals in Newland, but residents in Redbrook have serious trouble getting a signal.
“I’m with Orange and we don’t receive a signal from the mast in Clearwell and I’ve got a booster box which gives our mobiles a signal while we are inside the house but as soon as you go outside you lose it.”