With the digital switchover now just a few months away, preparations are being made in the resort.

Work was being carried out on the Felixstowe relay transmitter in Ranelagh Road this week to upgrade the site in readiness for the changes.

It will see a new antenna system being added and the replacement of the transmission on the ground.

A Digital UK spokesman said: “Essential engineering work to upgrade the Felixstowe relay for TV switchover this summer is under way.

“After switchover, homes receiving their TV signal from this transmitter will be able to watch around 15 Freeview channels via an aerial for the first time – up from just four in analogue today.”

The switchover will occur in two stages this summer. On July 6, BBC 2 will be switched off via analogue.

Then on July 20 all other analogue channels will be turned off and viewers will need to re-tune their digital equipment to pick up the additional channels.

The Anglian region is currently the second lowest in terms of the number of houses (57 per cent) able to get digital TV on an aerial before switchover.

After the switchover, 96pc of homes in the region will be able to get 15 Freeview channels.

For those worried about the switchover, Digital UK is offering help.

There is an advice line on 08456 505050 which will tell callers about the services in their area.

There is also a help scheme available for people aged over 75, those on disability benefits or who are blind or partially sighted.

These houses will be offered equipment to convert one TV set, installation and demonstration, and follow-up support for �40.

For more information, visit www.helpscheme.co.uk.

n Are you ready for the switchover? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@evening star.co.uk