A local MP is trying to restore television channels in Somerset homes. The three main commercial broadcasters - ITV1, Channel four and Channel five, have already gone off air in some homes with satellite TV that access free-to-air channels and have no subscription with Sky.

According to Yeovil MP David Laws, the BBC took the decision to stop paying for the viewing cards that decode signals for more than 30 free-to-air channels after moving its broadcasting to a new satellite that doesn't encrypt the signal.

The three commercial services are unwilling to take up the cost of the cards.

Mr Laws voiced his concern at the impact the move will have and urged the government to act to help those that will be denied access:

"I am very concerned at the impact that this move will have on many people throughout Somerset - particularly those in rural areas where there is currently patchy broadcasting reception.

"I have received letters from people in towns such as Yeovil and South Petherton, saying they had switched over to digital because they were unable to receive Channel 4 or Five on analogue as a result of poor reception.

"They are now unable to view popular programmes such as Coronation Street and Big Brother.

"I have backed a parliamentary motion urging the government to hold discussions with BSkyB, the BBC and the other public service broadcasters to see how continuing access to public service channels for free-to-air satellite viewers can be maintained.

"The BBC has a duty to ensure that all its licence-payers are able to view channels such as ITV1 and Channel four - without having to subscribe to other Sky channels they may not necessarily want."

It is likely, depending on the outcome of the discussions between BSkyB and the BBC, that all non-subscribing viewers will lose these channels sometime in late August.

A BBC spokeswoman said the corporation was responsible for its own channels - but not for rival networks: "That's clearly a matter for the other broadcasters and Sky," she said.