It will probably work then. Although you should get a good set-top if you're gonna get one- there's a Telecam one in Argos that I use for digital that seems to work well, and it's about a tenner. You may not need a rooftop aerial then
Presume you're on Pontop Pike transmitter... I wouldn't think a place the size of Newcastle would have any problems... but that said, 4 transmitters are supposed to serve Nottingham and none of them are particularly good at it...
If it's worked in the same area then as i said there shouldn't be a problem. Although:
- your existing aerial may not be high enough gain or in the wrong band
- your leads may not be any good even if you re-instate it...
TBH I'd try with a good set-top like the telecam. Argos also do a decent SLX 1-set booster (ca. 14 dB) which is also about a tenner and it's pretty good