RURAL communities in Bolton should not be disadvantaged by poor phone reception, according to an MP.

Darwen and Rossendale MP Jake Berry is calling on Turton residents to help map out mobile coverage across the area by downloading a special app.

RootMetrics tests the strength of the signal from smartphones and tablets, and will be used to check which company provides the best service.

Mr Berry said it was not fair that Turton residents should get a poor phone signal, just because of where they live.

He added: “Everyone pays the same for their phone package, but reception is very variable and many of us in Turton are not getting a good deal.

“I would like to encourage as many people as possible to download the app so that we can ensure we’re not forgotten by phone companies and that they benefit from the Government’s £150 million mobile phone infrastructure project.”

The Countryside Alliance is campaigning for better mobile coverage with their Sick of No Signal campaign.

Executive chairman Barney White-Spunner said: “It is very important that we can prove that some people living in the countryside are not getting a good deal from their phone service providers.

“The rates of phone coverage quoted by phone companies are a best case scenario.”

For further information on how to use the app and to see results so far, visit rootmetrics.com/uk