Councillors are calling for a "fair deal" for rural residents when television broadcasters switch from analogue to digital transmissions in the Yorkshire region in three years.

Coun. David Whipp said: "When our area switches to digital in 2011, we'll get Freeview Lite instead of the full 48 channels because our signal comes through the relay transmitter at East Marton.

"It's time to end the deficit of this digital divide and make sure residents here get the same service as elsewhere. After all, we pay the same licence fee."

Liberal Democrat MPs representing rural areas have taken the fight to culture secretary Andy Burnham. In Yorkshire, it's estimated up to 43% of viewers will get the reduced service.

Coun. Margaret Bell pointed out the Barnoldswick area had already lost out when cable TV stopped at Colne. She said: "We've got far less choice for services, such as broadband, by being left out on a limb. We shouldn't be sold short with the Freeview service."

The councillors are demanding local MPs for Pendle and Craven ensure local residents get the full Freeview service.

The issue was discussed at the last meeting of the West Craven Committee.

Colne, Nelson and their surrounding villages switch to digital exactly 12 months from now, as part of the North West region signal which comes from Winter Hill near Chorley.