A VILLAGE mobile phone ‘dead zone’ has been sparked into signal life after a new mast finally went live.

On Monday, the Lancashire Telegraph highlighted the anger of Sabden residents and business owners over the failure of operators to switch on the transmitter built eight months ago.

Its builder Cornerstone promised work to get the mast in action was close to completion.

Earlier this week, the mast sparked into life to the delight of residents and Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, who led the campaign to get the village a mobile phone signal.

David Moore, the owner of Sanwitches Cafe said: “We’ve never been able to use a mobile before and have been so isolated. People looking to order a takeaway from us can’t call in, even the lads on the building site down the road struggle to get through. For business people in Sabden it is so vital, as a business we are going from strength to strength and getting mobile signal means so much for the people of the village.”

Diane Murphy, owner of Millie and Ruby’s Dog Bakery, said: “I’ve lived in Sabden for 10 years and, for all of those 10 years, there has been no phone signal in the village. I also run a business from home and now it means my customers can actually reach me when they need to. Sabden has finally reached the 21st century.”

Mr Evans said: “The people of Sabden have waited so long to be connected to mobile signal, I am so pleased that they now have the connection they need to run businesses and talk to friends and family.

“Significant efforts have been made to achieve this outcome, particularly the tireless efforts of Cllr Ricky Newmark. Telecom and service providers need to ensure that other rural areas across the UK are not kept in the same predicament. This result has made it clear mobile ‘dead-zones’ need not exist in the modern age.”