West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed a much-needed piece of good news for Upton-upon-Severn businesses as a new mobile phone mast goes online for the town. The connection of a new mast at Portman’s Farm, on the outskirts of the town, means that mobile phone users will have better phone signals throughout the town. Until now, much of the centre of Upton has been a signal blackspot with local people, traders and tourists all complaining about the poor connections. And MP Harriett Baldwin took on the challenge of working with the mobile phone operators to urge them to look into the problem and invest in better coverage for the area. Harriett has met up with all the mobile phone operators to insist that the town is part of their upgrade plans and this latest installation will mean that O2 customers are already getting excellent 4G coverage in the middle of the town. The mast was delivered by a joint venture company owned by O2 and Vodafone and it will mean enhanced signals for both sets of customers. Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, commented: “I have been working for more than three years to encourage the mobile phone operators to deliver much better phone signals for people who live and work in and around Upton-upon-Severn and I am delighted to be able to herald this latest addition to the O2 network. “For many years people have struggled to make and receive calls in the centre of Upton and I hope that this new mast will mean better and faster connections. “I look forward to hearing positive feedback on what difference this mast is making as we approach the peak of the tourist season. Delivering a 21st century communications network across Worcestershire will ensure that we are able to keep local people connected as well as offering a first-class welcome to tourists and visitors.” Upton Business Association’s Mike Ostick, who has worked with Harriett to lobby the mobile phone operators added: “The Business Association welcomes the arrival of a strong and reliable 4G and even 5G signal in Upton. “This will bring much needed improved communications to our traders and residents. This important infrastructure will help in rebuilding our economy after a disastrous few months of disruption due the extensive road works.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP celebrates O2 guru Edward Healey (left) and Upton Business Association’s Mike Ostick (right)