A £15 million scheme to rebuild New College has been blamed for ruining people's TV viewing in parts of Walcot.

Scores of homeowners say they have had their television pictures distorted after work started on the building in December 2001.

Residents living opposite the Queens Drive sixth form college in Upham Road, Caversham Close, Swallow-field Avenue and Queens Drive say they have had to spend between £100 and £300 on improved television aerials and signal boosters.

Kate Averies, 45, a carer who lives in Caversham Close, said: "For the last three weeks we have kept losing our channels and I know a lot of people have had problems since the college went up, and even more have been affected since work began on the sports hall."

Pensioner Sheila Convey, 64, of Upham Road said: "It all started when the college went up. I've got digital television and I get a large fuzzy coloured block in the bottom"

"That was after I had a new aerial put in because I couldn't get a terrestrial signal, so I think New College should pay for everyone's work."

Dave Dyer of the Government's Radiocomm-unications Agency confirmed in a letter to South Swindon MP Julia Drown that it had visited the area and the college was the cause of the loss of television signals in the Upham Road area.

And two Swindon aerial servicing firms have said they have carried out jobs in the area because of the college.

Students moved in to the new building in January this year. The college was formerly based in two buildings either side of a playing field, which have now been demolished.

The new structure, built by Pearce Construction, is in the middle of the site.

New College principal, Graham Taylor, said: "I have sympathy for the people whose television signals have been affected, but that is all I can offer. It is the for the builder to deal with this further. The ball is in Pearce's court."

Rob Bradley, managing director of Pearce Construc-tion, said: "I have heard of this happening to other firms but it has never happened to us before. We will be looking into it."

If you have problems with your television signal contact a specialist aerial firm who can provide a booster box or higher mast.

If you think it may because of building work the Radiocommunications Agency advises you call the local authority, Swindon Council, on (01793) 463000.