SKIPTON MP Julian Smith is welcoming new steps being taken by the government to improve mobile coverage and end not-spots in North Yorkshire.

Currently 28 per cent of the county suffers from ‘partial not-spots’ – areas where there is coverage from one or more but not all of the four mobile networks.

The poor mobile phone coverage makes it harder for people to communicate and businesses to operate, putting growth and jobs at risk.

Now Ministers are meeting with mobile operators to try and find voluntary improvements. They will then consider whether new laws are required to improve coverage. This could include allowing people to use other networks when their own cannot provide a signal.

Julian said: “Currently 28 per cent of North Yorkshire has poor mobile coverage which is causing frustration for people trying to make a call or send a text and making it more difficult for businesses to operate and grow. Conservatives are not prepared to let this continue.

“Ensuring people and businesses across the Skipton and Ripon constituency can get good mobile coverage is a key part of our long-term economic plan. Added to our work to improve broadband coverage, it will help businesses to grow and create more jobs, giving people greater financial security and peace of mind.”