Published on 24th February 2011

“Make sure you’re ready for the digital switchover”

- that's the message from Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) who is urging all its tenants to prepare themselves for when the analogue TV signal is switched off in April 2011.

To help residents prepare for the switchover CBH has created a leaflet which sets out what residents need to know, and what they need to do to make sure that they are ready.

The switchover will take place in two stages. On 6 April viewers will lose BBC 2. Two weeks later on 20 April the Ridge Hill transmitter will be turned off and every viewer in the county will lose the signal for BBC 1, ITV, Channel Four and Five.

Chris Williams, Head of Property Services at CBH said:

"We've completed digital upgrades on our communal properties but for those residents living in maisonettes and houses the responsibility lies with them to make sure they are ready. We don't want people to leave it to the last minute and risk losing their TV signal. We hope that the guide we have produced will cover all they need to know."

Older and disabled tenants can get extra help to switch their TV to digital. Run by the BBC , the Switchover Help Scheme offers to install all the equipment needed and provide clear and simple advice, along with a 12 month aftercare service. To be eligible for the scheme you must:

  • be aged 75 or over
  • get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance,
    Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement
  • have lived in a care home for six months or more
  • are registered blind or partially sighted

The leaflet 'Get set for digital' is available at CBH area offices in Oakley, Whaddon, at Coronation Square and online at www.cheltborohomes.org

For more information on the Switchover Help Scheme call 0800 40 85 900 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk

Notes for editors

Cheltenham Borough Homes:

  • CBH is one of the top rated ALMOs in the country, assessed as providing 'excellent services with excellent prospects for the future' by the Audit Commission.  
  • Currently CBH manage and maintain around 5,000 tenant and leasehold properties with an overall satisfaction level of 85%, placing them in the top ten ALMOs nationally. 
  • The organisation's approach to community development and participation; governance and equality and diversity has been recognised as good practice nationally. A new ten year management agreement, which will run until 31st March 2020 , was recently finalised.
  • CBH continue to develop excellent services by working closely with customers.  It will include building new homes and continuing to regenerate communities whilst tackling issues of worklessness and addressing social enterprise.

For further information visit: www.cheltborohomes.org

Press contact: Catherine Best e: [email protected] t: 01242 775317