Laura Sandys today called on the Minister for Communications in Parliament to investigate how the telephone line of a small business in Thanet has been abruptly seized, leaving the shop stranded and customers baffled as they rang through to a private resident’s home.
Raising the issue in Parliament, the MP for South Thanet appealed to the Minister to take all necessary action to make sure their phone line is restored. The Minister shared Laura’s concerns and pledged his support, saying “I am appalled to hear about what my hon. Friend’s constituent has gone through. I will certainly do everything I can to assist her, as this is an appalling practice.”
Within 40 minutes, Laura had received a call from the industry regulator, Ofcom, who is now looking into the case.
Laura said: “Phone lines are such a vital lifelink for any small company and it is completely unacceptable that this line has been seized. This relatively new business has spent good money printing leaflets and business cards to advertise its phone number, all of which are now absolutely useless. We want to get their phone line back in operation as a matter of urgency and I’m very pleased to have the Minister’s support in this matter.
“Small businesses are driving our economic recovery and deserve a strong voice. That’s why I have taken this issue to the very top of Government”