Mobile signal has finally been restored to thousands of residents across the Marsh and St George's Quay areas of Lancaster.
The mast operated by Virgin Media O2 affixed to the chimney of the former A1 Supa Skips site on the Lune Industrial Estate, had been inactive since May 2023 due to vandalism and theft of copper wiring.
The mast is used by a number of mobile service providers which meant thousands of people have been affected by the loss of service.
Attempts to restore the signal were further hampered by the fire at the site last December.
The Labour MP Cat Smith has been calling on the company to fix the masts since last June.
Welcoming the return of mobile signal in the area, Cat Smith said: "This will hopefully come as much-needed relief for residents and businesses across the Marsh and St George's Quay area who have been struggling for the past year.
"This is vital communication infrastructure which these private companies operate, and it's frustrating when they are slow to act.
Local businesses rely on good connectivity to operate, process payments, payroll and serve the community, and consumers need stay in touch with friends and family whilst getting on with the basics like booking health appointments, banking, accessing Universal Credit journals, and keeping on top of all of the essential life admin."
In a statement, a representative for Virgin Media O2 said: "Initially this mast, that is operated by Vodafone, who are our infrastructure partner, had to be put 'off air' due to vandalism and stolen copper cable.
‘’Subsequently, the fire that then occurred in December significantly disrupted restoration plans and further health & safety measures impacted our ability to access the site and assess the damages from the fire.
‘’The mast at the Lune Industrial Estate has now had its services restored. Our network team will continue to closely monitor the signal strength in Marsh to ensure the newly restored site continues to work as it should."
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
