A TOWERING new building has left TV lovers with a headache - because it may well be the thing that is blocking their signal.

The mystery of disappearing television channels at properties in North Scale on Walney could be due to BAE's new multi-million pound Central Yard Complex facility.

The company has commissioned a survey to find out what is causing the interference in the area, which has seen some homes lose up to 60 channels.

The problem is believed to be concentrated to a handful of properties in and around Combe View, although there are suggestions some in south Walney may also be affected. It was first detected around a month ago and has been puzzling residents ever since.

The building works, which in recent weeks have included cladding, is believed to have worsened the signal problems, with experts called out to test the signal strength and reporting that the shipyard building is the likely source of blame.

Councillor Des Barlow, who represents Walney North on Barrow Borough Council, is one of the residents affected by the TV issues but a new aerial has reduced his woes.

He said: "It has got to be sorted. A few people have been getting in touch with the same problem.

"It's happened since the new building was put up.

"It's not just intermittent, it's cut the signal altogether.

"When they built Devonshire Dock Hall they had the same problems and put a booster up."

The Evening Mail understands the properties affected follow the 'line of sight' to the Central Yard Complex.

Properties in North Scale receive TV transmission from Winter Hill, above Bolton, but are having to switch to a better service, sometimes with fewer TV stations available.

The Central Yard Complex is located opposite the main shipyard gate in Bridge Road and is taller than Devonshire Dock Hall at 45 metres but will be roughly two-thirds its size at 15,300 square metres.

The facility will support the next generation of submarines being built at Barrow shipyard and will be where equipment modules are integrated into sections of the pressure hull.

Shipyard bosses installed an aerial on the roof of Devonshire Dock Hall in 1986 which relayed signals via cable to homes in the Stanley Road, Bridge Road and Ferry Road triangle area.

A BAE Systems spokesman said the company was working with the community and a survey had been carried out to understand the problems.

He said: "When a small group of residents made us aware of the issue we commissioned an independent investigation to establish the source of the interference.

"This was completed very recently and we are now analysing the findings of the report.

"We appreciate this situation must be frustrating for local residents – especially at this time of year.

"We are committed to keeping them informed and will share the report's findings as soon as possible."