NEW techology has been pledged to ensure East Lancashire benefits from the digital broadcasting revolution.

One of two new digital radio transmitters, to boost digital audio broadcasting signals, commonly known as DAB radio, will be based in Haslingden.

An extra 31,000 people on the outskirts of Blackburn and Hasliingden will benefit from the move, according to the BBC.

And another 450,000 as far away as Rawtenstall and Bacup should see improved coverage of their existing service.

The roll-out of digital radio has been hampered by continuing complaints from listeners regarding ‘patchy’ reception.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry has been campaigning on the issue of Freeview television reception in his constituency.

He spoke out in Parliament after receiving concerns about reception in areas reliant on relay transmitters like parts of Darwen, Bacup, Whitworth and Newchurch.

People living there were only getting 15 channels, as opposed to the extended range of around 40.

The BBC claims coverage for their digital radio services currently stands at around 88 per cent of the nation.

Mark Friend, a BBC audio controller, said: “We are committed to broadening the availability of digital radio and we are delighted to further expand and improve coverage.

“We hope more listeners will discover the range of programmes and services offered by DAB.”

The current digital drive hopes to expand coverage to 92 per cent of the UK population by the end of this year.