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'We haven't been able to use phones since Christmas'

George Carden/BBC Joan Sloman who has long brown hair and purple glasses. She is wearing a winter coast and pink salmon jumper while standing on the pavement which has two cars parked next to herGeorge Carden/BBC
Joan Sloman is one of many people in Lancing who has been without phone signal since Christmas

People living in Lancing have complained after being left without phone signal since before Christmas.

O2 and Vodafone customers in the West Sussex town said it has been an "absolute pain".

Businesses around South Street have also reported problems taking calls but said contactless payments have not been affected.

O2 said there was a technical fault due to adverse weather conditions but have not given a timeframe for when it will be resolved, while Vodaphone said its infrastructure partner was trying to restore services.

"It's an absolute pain, I'm working on a little flat and I can't call any tradesmen, they can't call me. They don't get any internet," said resident Joan Sloman.

"Since before Christmas, a lot of us haven't been able to use our phones for calls at all. I can't make phone calls, I can't use wireless internet, sometimes a text will go through.

"It's more frustrating than the traffic works."

Sarah Sameja, co-owner of the Coffee Lounge, said: "It's been a complete nightmare for a lot of people, apparently it sounds like some sort of robot on the other end.

George Carden/BBC South Street looking towards Lancing railway station, there's a junction veering to the left. A tall brown building on the right, and the crossing can be seen in the distance. The road and pavements are almost completely emptyGeorge Carden/BBC
South Street near the railway station in Lancing has been affected

"Customers are moaning everyday that they're having problems with it. Elderly people are worrying in case there's any emergency and they can't use their phone."

Businesses said card payments have not been affected but some had problems with calls coming through to their landline.

An O2 spokesperson said: "We apologise to customers in the Lancing area who may be experiencing intermittent issues with their service.

"A technical fault caused by adverse weather conditions is currently impacting mast equipment and our team of engineers are working quickly to fully restore services as soon as possible."

A Vodafone spokesperson apologised and said its infrastructure partner, who is responsible for the mast, is aware of the issues and is working to restore services as soon as possible.

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