Fight to keep phone boxes

Councillors are set to fight plans by BT to axe almost 30 public phone boxes in rural Shropshire despite a massive reduction in their use since the introduction of mobile phones.

The firm announced earlier this year that it proposes to close 29 payphones in the Bridgnorth district due to a lack of use. The issue was then put out to public consultation.

Bridgnorth District Council has now said it will oppose any proposed closure which is objected to by residents and parish councils.

Leader of the council, Councillor Elizabeth Yeomans, said residents had stressed that the payphones were very important for the local community.

She said: “Local knowledge has demonstrated that phone boxes are very important, particularly in emergencies and serious accidents as you can’t rely on network coverage for mobile phones in rural areas.

“Local people and local parish councillors came up with very strong views as to why payphones should remain.

“The council is backing residents where they object.”

A second public consultation has now started and the council will then consider all responses received and make its final decision on the proposed closures in early July.

British Telecom is blaming the cutbacks on the increasing use of mobile phones.

The company says that the number of telephone calls being made from the 29 payphones across the Bridgnorth district has more than halved.

A BT spokesman said: “In recent years the needs of consumers have changed drastically with the increase in mobile phone ownership leading to a complete change in the communications culture throughout the UK.”

Phone boxes on the list to be axed include ones in Albrighton, Burwarton, Chesterton, Glazeley, Hampton Loade, Ditton Priors, Monkhopton Morville, Quatt, Sheriffhales, Tong and Willey.

Anyone who wishes to comment should write to the head of local plans and regeneration at Bridgnorth District Council, Westgate, Bridgnorth WV16 5AA or e-mail devpol@bridgnorth-dc.gov.uk and for further information contact (01746) 713145.