Fears town may be left in signal 'black hole' for months

ANGER is looming over a major Yorkshire tourist town left in a signal black hole.

- By SAMUEL PORT

Old Gate Bar & Restaurant

A phone mast was removed in Hebden Bridge, cutting off major providers, O2, Three and Vodafone. This has caused a panic among independent businesses in the area who have been severely impacted by the loss of signal, with so many reliant on internet coverage.

The mast was removed at the behest of the landowner. O2, Three and Vodafone have said they are working on a solution, but it is not known when it will be solved, with unconfirmed rumours suggesting the problem could persist well into 2026. Mytholmroyd is also affected.

Local businesses have been left in a state of confusion and have claimed there has been "no communication" from Calderdale Council.

Manager of Mediterranean restaurant Aya Sophia, in Bridge Gate, Ozkan Dogan is worried his business may not survive.

Ozkan said: "There is no signal in town. Trade has been so down in the last couple of weeks because of this. I feel worried about it, it's 1pm and we only have five people in the restaurant, and one customer.

"It's affected us because people don't want to come to town, they don't want to come to restaurants because they will lose signal."