AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into how phone coverage can be improved in the Cotswolds.

The calls were made by county councillor for Bourton and Northleach Paul Hodgkinson as he warned that bad phone signal could affect business in the area.

Councillors voted unanimously at a Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) to find a way to improve coverage in hard to reach places where an improved service could avoid isolation and make it easier for people to contact emergency services.

Cllr Hodgkinson told the Standard: “There are many black holes across the county in so many villages and even towns where there is little or even worse no mobile coverage.

“If you live in an isolated village or travel on quiet roads you want some reassurance that you can contact someone easily.

“Better mobile coverage not only adds to personal security but is also an essential pre-requisite for running a business from home. There are many small businesses based in our villages and they require easy communication.”

GCC council leader Mark Hawthorne gave his support to the motion.

He said: “We know that the strength of mobile phone signal can vary across the county and we support the idea to try and make coverage more wide spread.

“It’s particularly important that we help people in the most isolated parts of the county to stay well connected to friends and family and vital services and help boost the local economy.”