A MUCH-NEEDED mobile phone mast installed in a rural North Tyne village will go live next week.

Wark has long been a blind spot for mobile phone users, with residents in some locations not receiving a signal.

Last November, communications firm Shared Access was granted planning permission to construct the 15-metre high mast in the grounds of Wark Recreation Charity Sports Club.

The club was happy to support the scheme by providing a suitable location, which ensured that the mast blended in with its surroundings.

Eddie Jeffrey, a trustee of the sports club, explained: “It is built into a five-a-side court which houses a floodlight. It does not look intrusive. It is the right location for a mast and I think everyone will agree that this is a much-needed development for this area, which is a blind spot for mobile usage.

“Engineers have been on site and we are just waiting for this coverage to become available.”

The mast has been installed for the use of O2 mobile phone customers, although it was believed users of other operators would be able to benefit from its coverage.

The scheme has also been backed by Wark Parish Council. The mast is set to go live on Wednesday.