Freeview viewers will soon have to retune TVs in parts of Burnley and Trawden

Some Freeview channels are moving to new airwaves to allow for the future development of new mobile broadband services. Following a decision by the UK Government, transmitters are being updated region by region as part of a major engineering programme due to complete this year.

Engineering work at main transmitters will begin shortly after midnight for those parts of Burnley covered by the Winter Hill transmitter on August 12th, meaning that services will be off-air overnight until 6am.

Parts of Trawden, covered by the Pendle Forest transmitter will also be off air on the same date.

After this, any viewers receiving their TV signal from these transmitters who find they are missing channels can retune. Services from smaller local relays may be subject to disruption until late afternoon. Satellite and cable TV are not affected.

Around 2.8m homes across the North are served by the affected transmitters. Freeview will be running an information campaign to prepare people for the change, including advertising and on-screen messages.

These final updates to signals in the region follow changes to main BBC services in February and the completion of work on other commercial channels over the past two years.

Retuning should be straightforward and some TV equipment will retune automatically. Some older aerials may need to be replaced to continue receiving all channels. Viewers may be eligible for free in-home support, including aerial work if needed.

Kate Macefield, programme director, said: "We’re making sure viewers are aware of these changes to local airwaves so that they can continue watching their favourite programmes on Freeview. Retuning usually only takes a few minutes but, if anyone is unsure of what to do, there will be plenty of information available on our website and from our advice line team.

"These final required updates mark the completion of a major engineering programme in the North West and will clear the way for improved mobile services across the region.’

Anyone who needs advice, or who finds they are still missing services after retuning, can visit the Freeview website at www.freeview.co.uk/tvchanges or contact the Freeview Advice Line free on 0808 100 0288.

Further information is available online at freeview.co.uk/tvchanges