Kingsbridge

A mobile phone reception hotspot is being built in East Prawle, near Kingsbridge, in the form of a 2ft mounted block, BBC Devon has reported.

According to the BBC report, the mounted block will provide the only location where residents can access mobile phone networks in the small South Hams village.

Previously, people have had to stand on a wooden public bench to make their mobile calls.

The block, which will replace the wooden public bench, is expected to cost about £100 to build.

"You don't get a mobile telephone signal in East Prawle and people don't want a phone mast," South Hams district councillor Julian Brazil told BBC Devon.

"People have been complaining the bench is getting broken so it has been decided to get some sort of mounting block that people can use to get reception."

Chivelstone Parish Council said it would cost more than £100 to repair the bench.

Richard Cordy, a retired shop owner in the village, added: "It is a bit embarrassing for people to have to climb on to a park bench but it's the only way.

"The residents here have been waiting ten years for a phone signal and visitors are always grumbling about it.

"There was even a small queue of people wanting to use their phone at the weekend. It is all a bit mad really."

East Prawle has a population of nearly 200 people, two pubs, a small shop and a park.