CableVision staff yesterday tried to buy up dozens of antennae, claiming they were needed to provide seniors with a good television service.

The Royal Gazette was told last night that both the Radio Shack and M&M International were approached yesterday morning by CableVision hoping to purchase the antennae in bulk.

But a worker at Radio Shack said the cable company's custom was turned down.

He said: "CableVision wanted to buy our stock. We did not sell it to them because we are not a wholesale trader - we are just a retailer.

"They were using the guise that they wanted them for old folks' homes, but if they really wanted the old folks to have their television service, all they needed to do was put CableVision back on."

And Matthew Mello, sales and marketing manager at M&M International, said his store was also approached.

"They did try to purchase," he said. "We were told that it was basically for the convenience of their customers in the interim period.

"But we were unable to help them because we sold out on Wednesday. But besides that, we were trying to limit the number of items sold to each person.

"We limited hotels to just 15. I don't think we would have allowed CableVision to buy more."

But last night, CableVision customer solutions manager Alan Smith said the company had tried to buy some antennae to help customers.

The cable company announced yesterday that it was offering special assistance to seniors who were having difficulty hooking up their rabbit ears aerials.

A hotline was set aside for the elderly to call in and obtain help, and employees were offering to visit homes to carry out the hook up for them.

Mr. Smith said early yesterday: "We feel sorry about the current situation. We want to do something to help our customers.

"We've even purchased a number of sets of rabbit ears, so if a senior needs them, we will make a house call and set them up, at least for as long as supplies last."

But late yesterday he confirmed that CableVision had tried to purchase sets from stores yesterday morning, but had been unsuccessful.

He added: "As a result, we are making some makeshift antennae at CableVision for customers who really need them."

The hotline number is 294-2986.