A NEW warehouse is being blamed for leaving residents in a mobile phone signal blackspot.

Frustrated residents in Thorpe have been without an EE signal for weeks after it vanished suddenly.

Engineers launched an investigation after receiving a host of complaints, and it is believed the lost signal has been caused by the construction of a new building nearby, which has distrupted transmissions from EE’s phone mast.

An EE spokesman said: “Our engineers have been investigating the signal issues caused by a new, large warehouse that has recently been built in the area, blocking the signal.

"We’re working hard to restore full service by rerouting the signal, which is a complex process.

“We apologise to any of our customers who are affected and will have a resolution as soon as possible.”

An application has been launched to make alterations to the company’s mast in Victoria Road, Clacton.

Local councillor Dan Land said he was relieved the problem should be fixed soon, but said it has been handled poorly by EE.

He said: “In this day and age, we do rely heavily on technology and you expect it to work.

“Some residents have really struggled, especially those who are self-employed.

“We have had to deal with endless inconsistencies from EE. They have told different people different dates for it to be fixed.

“Some people have received compensation and others have just had their bill wiped for the affected time.

“I have tried to organise joint meetings to make sure this is resolved, but they have not come back to me. It has been very frustrating.

“This has been going on for nearly a month now and we need it to be fixed as soon as possible.”