A frustrated mobile phone user has called on a provider to install a mast that was given planning permission last year.

Jane Tatum says the coverage at Birling Gap is almost non existent and she only receives her text messages after leaving home.

That is despite a plan for a new mast to be installed nearby along the A259 by Telefonica and its agent Harlequin Group, which was approved by the National Park Authority in September.

She said: “When I asked the agent, they said there are no plans to install the mast, and they told me they have until 2022, when the planning permission lapses.

“There is no mobile phone reception in rural areas like this, you spend at least half an hour to get a signal.

“Here at Birling Gap there is a risk that in an emergency, someone won’t be able to use their phone to call for help.”

She has contacted her MP Maria Caulfield and East Dean and Friston Parish Council for help to put pressure on the company to get the mast installed.

Parish council chairman Michael Keller said the application was given permission – and added the council worked hard to keep the BT phonebox open at Birling Gap.

He said: “There have been lots of complaints about this but the decision to erect the mast will be commercial rather than based on safety.

“But since the application we have heard nothing. It is surprising because we think there would be a commercial advantage for a mast as there are so many visitors to Birling Gap, particularly from overseas as they come to see the Seven Sisters.”

Both Harlequin Group and Telefonica were contacted for comment about whether there are immediate plans to put up the new mast.