IMPROVE phone coverage in the Cotswolds or business could suffer, a county councillor has warned.

County councillor for Northleach and Bourton Paul Hodgkinson will call for an investigation into how mobile phone companies can provide better coverage in rural areas at a Gloucestershire County Council meeting tomorrow.

He told the Standard: “There are many black holes across the county in so many villages and even towns where there is little or even worse no mobile coverage.

“If you live in an isolated village or travel on quiet roads you want some reassurance that you can contact someone easily.

“Better mobile coverage not only adds to personal security but is also an essential pre-requisite for running a business from home. There are many small businesses based in our villages and they require easy communication.”