No TV cheer for Terrington folk
HOUSING chiefs have turned down a free offer of help which could have resolved the ongoing television row at a West Norfolk sheltered flats complex.
Elderly Sky viewers at Clement Court, in Terrington St Clement, faced Christmas without their TV lifeline after Freebridge Housing Association told them to take down their dishes within 14 days or face a bill for their removal.
But Simon Benefer, owner of Lynn-based company Tellytek Aerials, read the article in the Lynn News and immediately offered to take down the old dishes and install a communal satellite dish for up to eight residents – free of charge.
But Freebridge has turned down the offer saying it would be against financial regulations despite the fact it would not cost the organisation a penny.
North West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham, who has offered his support to the residents, told the Lynn News he was "unhappy" with the situation and wanted a full explanation.
He added: "I will be writing to the head of Freebridge asking why they have turned down what seems to be a pragmatic and sensible solution.
"There may be policy constraints and legal problems, but they do not spring to mind immediately and I will be asking for a full explanation."
Mr Benefer said: "Obviously, in my job, I realise how important television is to old folk. It's their link to the outside world and their source of pleasure.
"I thought 'I know a way around that problem' and rather than have them worry about it I would do something.
"It would only take probably half a day's labour to put up one dish with an eight-way attachment. It would stop them worrying and I can put the dish up where no-one can see it.
"This will taint Christmas for the residents. At the end of the day, it's thanks to these people we are free to walk down the street – there was a bit of patriotism in my offer.
"I'm very disappointed for the residents and it seems as if bureaucracy has got in the way."
Freebridge plans to introduce digital television across all properties with communal aerials, but the system will not provide residents with the same channels, such as Sky Sport.
A spokesman said: "Freebridge must provide an equal service for all its residents and a system which allows only eight people to use it would discriminate against the other tenants living at Clement Court."
They added: "Freebridge understands the importance of TV to some of our more-isolated tenants and wants to thank tenants for their patience during the run-up to the digital hand-over, while Freebridge puts its plans in place for tenants with communal aerials."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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