An MP has lamented the "missed opportunity" of improving mobile phone coverage in the South Lakes.
Tim Farron has criticised the government's decision not to use new emergency service masts for public use.
700 new masts have been built around the UK to improve the connectivity for emergency services.
But, on the same mast, the same improvement will not be afforded to people living in South Cumbria.
Mr Farron said: "This is such a missed opportunity.
“Broadband and mobile coverage continues to be one of the biggest issues for our rural communities, especially for our small businesses.
“The installation of these new masts could’ve been a real boost for local people, but instead they are set to be nothing more than a blot on our beautiful landscape."
In a number of areas including the local villages of Kentmere and Longsleddale, the Home Office has erected masts without its partner EE, resulting in no improvement in mobile or 4G coverage.
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