TWO areas of the Cotswolds could receive an improved phone signal after EE responded to a plea from a councillor.

Gloucestershire County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson wrote to the mobile phone company’s chief executive on behalf of residents in Upper Rissington and Frampton Mansell.

Around two-and-a-half years ago the signal in Frampton Mansell, which was provided by Orange, suddenly became weak and intermittent.

While in Upper Rissington an Orange mast was switched off two years ago, leaving residents without any signal at all.

Alex Jackman, public affairs manager for EE, which incorporates Orange and T-Mobile, has replied to Cllr Hodgkinson’s appeal for improved signal for the areas.

He said they will be put forward for “small cell technologies” which includes services such as 3G and wi-fi.

Mr Jackman said: “I am going to put the villages you mention forward for our small cell technologies.

“We expect this to reach 1,500 communities over the next two or three years but the next stage of the trial will be around 20 communities across the UK.

“If I can get them included then I will, although part of the process requires support from some residents to host the mast (about the size of a hardback book or two) without cost.”