Residents in Doncaster flats left without television signal for five days

Many residents of Charles Court, Armthorpe, Doncaster having been living in isolation for at least five days without a working television. Residents who have been struggling for a television signal were reduced to three working Freeview channels before losing complete service.

The issue was mentioned to the flats management team who then sent a letter to all residents of Charles Court. The letter said that there was nothing that could be done at the current time with all the engineers self-isolating in response to the coronavirus.

The letter sent by Charles Court management team, said: “I know that we are having issues with TV signal at the moment, and I have tried to get an engineer to find a solution to the problem.

“However, due to self-isolation I have been told that no engineers will be able to visit. I know this is not ideal, but all I can suggest is that we try to retune the TV’s, I do apologise but given the current situation it is understandable that contractors are unable to attend.”

Upon receiving the letter, flat resident, David Street, aged 85, set up a meeting with the housing manager who said there was nothing that could be done to help the situation.

David said: “On Thursday, April 9, we were reduced from three TV channels to none at all. Now with all due respect to the current situation, I understand that the guidelines set by the government need to be fulfilled.

“I understand that not having a working television right now must seem pretty insignificant, but I’m not thinking of myself when I say that. I’m thinking of all the other flat residents who haven’t got anything or anyone other than the TV.

“We’re not allowed out to keep each other company and there are some very important news messages being broadcast across television channels. It was just an unfortunate situation for everyone.

“I want to be clear that I’m not trying to say anything bad about the management team of the flat or the people they may have been in contact with. I mean bless them, they are just trying to make sure that the virus doesn’t get spread here which would be disastrous as many here are similar to my age.

“However, help came from a local man who said he’d solve the problem for everyone as a favour. He had to purchase a part that was needed to boost signal to the TV’s with no signal and true to his word had fixed the problem.

“We offered the man money which he did not accept, as the man wished to remain anonymous we just wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks from everyone at Charles Court.

“We have just witnessed a pure act of kindness and feel he deserves any recognition he may get.”