Jayne Hilton, so frustrated with the problem

FRUSTRATED residents in Edgworth are blaming a telecommunications antenna for leaving them without any TV . . . for nearly two weeks.

The viewers living in Bolton Road are getting desperate after the five terrestrial TV channels turned to unwatchable static.

And like many other mothers, one resident said that her children -- without the television to distract them -- are driving her "mad" during the long summer holidays.

The residents have gone to extraordinary lengths to get to watch their television favourites.

Jayne Hilton, 36, has been going to her fitness centre -- but instead of pumping iron or taking a dip in the pool -- she has been sat in the bar area watching her beloved Coronation Street.

She said: "I have to go to the gym now to watch Corrie. It is the only programme I really miss. When ever anyone goes to change the channel at the club I kick up a fuss."

The TVs of around six households suddenly stopped picking up the signal last Monday.

Mrs Hilton believes it must have something to do with the new 20 metre antenna recently installed by BT only 150 yards from their home.

She said that in the 10 years of living in the area, she had never experienced interference.

Mrs Hilton, who runs a business letting agency, added: "We live in a valley bottom so we have to have boosters on the aerial. But there has never been anything like this.

"My next door neighbour is tearing her hair out. She has three young children. She's been hiring two videos a day to keep them entertained."

Fellow resident Anne Ainsworth, 49, said that the broadcasting authorities insisted on charging £45 to investigate the problem.

And it would be days before the investigation could get underway because the authorities had insisted on them sending out for forms to fill in.

After the BEN contacted British Telecom, a spokesman said the complaints of the residents would be investigated.