Silenced by New Rugby Stand

3.32.40pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 26th Sep 2005

Around 40 local residents (in Whitton's Dene Estate) have lost TV access following the construction of the new Harlequins West Stand. Their sets will only receive Channel 5, or nothing at all, and some residents have been obliged to invest in new ones, with stronger reception. Harlequins were aware of the problem when some work started on the site eight months ago and offered to monitor reception. Now that the interference has been proved are offering free set-top receivers. But some residents are furious that they have had to pay out hundreds of pounds in the meantime after being cut off from TV signals.

Vincent Cable MP has taken up the issue with the Club and is seeking a meeting between the Club and the unhappy residents: "Harlequins have generally managed community relations well in the last few years but they seem to have got this one wrong. Residents point out that, since the problem was anticipated, they could either have agreed compensation in advance to finance new sets or arranged a temporary loan of sets to those affected. As it is, some residents are hundreds of pounds out of pocket. The offer of new 'set top' boxes is welcome but doesn't deal with the problem of those who have already forked out substantial sums."