"As many of those who have been glued to the World Cup these last few weeks may have noticed, TV reception remains poor in Thanet.

"Those with Sky satellite dishes can now stop reading now - unless of course Sky was purchased precisely because the reception in Thanet has been so inconsistent.

"This problem was first drawn to my attention when I bought a digital set top box. Even after that investment, my husband and I still had problems with reception.

"Having called on more than 25,000 homes over the last four years, I have heard the same message from many people. 'I can't get normal terrestrial coverage,' they say. 'I spent £300 on a new aerial and my reception it is not much better,' others tell me.

"Being in Parliament isn't about changing the world in one fell swoop. It's about serving the concerns and problems that face many of us in our own homes. That's why I'm part of a group in Parliament that aims to guarantee better TV and digital radio reception. Roger Gale and I will be contacting the minister in charge to ensure that local licence fee payers get what they subscribe to the TV licence for.

"I understand that proximity to TV services in northern France have made coverage difficult in parts of Kent but the relevant authorities have had years to reach the necessary agreements and to create technical solutions, yet they have failed to deliver. It's time this problem was solved.

"But I want your help. I need to get as many responses as possible to a survey I'm conducting in order to prove that we’re currently disadvantaged. Please join my campaign by emailing laura.sandys.mp@parliament.uk. Together we can do it!"