History

A new route between Leeds (Tinshill) and Leicester (Copt Oak) was built in the 1980s, most likely to link the System X (Digital Main Switching Unit) Exchanges. A feature of the original System X design was that every DMSU had connectivity to every other DMSU. Existing routes via Tinshill and Copt Oak also provided System X links. Two new sites were required: Hunshelf Bank and Whiteborough - these feaure the later type of standard building a "Type 8A" modular towers. At Tinshill the existing tower was modified and a new structure was provided at Copt Oak. The available photos and planning documents relating to Hunshelf Bank and Whiteborough suggest two pairs of large dishes were installed and the route did not develop further. It is likely GEC 11 GHz digital systems (RS 11/55) were used, with height diversity.

Relevant planning applicatons Hunshelf Bank B/84/0705/PR (Barnsley) Erection of radio station and 41.4 m high tower - September 1984 Whiteborough (Bolsover) 36.8 m tower - extened to 41.4 m 2002 Copt Oak P/86/0612/2 (Charnwood) ERECTION OF REPLACEMENT RADIO TOWER (75.4M HIGH) - December 1986 Tinshill H26/95/85/ (Leeds) 19.7m high extension to suppor t 9 dish aerials, to exist ing radio tower - April 1985