HUNDREDS of people in Devon could find themselves unable to watch television next year after the switch over to digital.

The warning comes from Devon County Council.

It fears people — and particularly the elderly — have not have not been given enough clear information about what is happening.

The big TV turn-off starts in April with four analogue transmitters serving Devon being switched off in phases over a number of weeks.

Viewers will initially lose BBC2 and start to receive digital channels — if they have digital equipment.

All analogue channels will then be switched off and the remaining digital channels will become available.

Latest research reveals that 98 per cent of people in Devon are aware of the switchover, and 64 per cent of households already have full digital conversion.

Now, the county council has asked Digital UK, the organisation responsible for the digital TV switchover, to provide a report detailing its plans to ensure that everybody is fully informed and ready for when the analogue signal will stop.

Councillor Des Hannon, the authority's executive member responsible for ensuring a smooth switchover for Devon, said he was not convinced that everybody, particularly the elderly and disabled, were fully aware that the change would affect them.

He said: "For many people the telly is an absolute lifeline so it's crucial that these groups are specifically targeted for help.

"I want to make sure that Digital UK is putting every possible effort into this.

"Digital UK is already working hard, but it's our job to make sure Devon people get the very best service through the switchover."

A Government help scheme has been set up to help those over the age of 75, registered blind or partially sighted and those on certain benefits, and offers the conversion of one analogue TV set for £40.

There is no fee for those on pension credit, income support or job seeker's allowance or residents of care homes.

Older people under the age of 75, people with disabilities or mental health problems and those with English as a second language, who are ineligible for the Government help scheme, will need targeting to ensure they know what they will need to do before the switchover happens.

Cllr Hannon said: "I look forward to seeing what Digital UK has planned to ensure that all vulnerable groups are aware of the switchover and the council will do all it can to ensure a smooth digital TV switchover for everyone in Devon."

There is a permanent link to the Get Set for Digital website on the council's home page.

For more information about the switchover go to www.digitaluk.co.uk or phone 08456 50 50 50.

Exeter's switch to becoming one of the country's first digital television cities was the main topic at a community forum held at the city's Guildhall yesterday.

Tanya Mills, of Digital UK, arrived to explain all to residents about the digital switchover and the help available to people unsure about what is happening.