Customers on EE network in the Maldon area reported loss of signal for the third consecutive weekend.

A cancer patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, was left unable to contact her support team or any emergency lines.

They said: "For the third weekend in a row myself and a lot of others in Heybridge have no phone due to maintenance work being carried out

"My network operator SMARTY did not inform me of this on each occasion - what has compounded the matter is that as a cancer patient I have no way of contacting my support team at hospital which was the case last weekend.

"We couldn't even call 111 NHS advice line, so how are people supposed to gain medical advice when their doctors surgeries are shut

"Do you not think that was are now in a national lockdown and those isolating at home that these works would have been postponed?

"I am also a call and chat volunteer for the NHS and now cannot give the support to anyone that may need it.

"I rely on my phone as I do not have a landline, what exactly am I supposed to do if I need groceries or medication, or if something needs my help over the phone."

EE have been contacted for comment.