North East communities can keep red phone boxes
Oct 14 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal
CHERISHED red phone boxes could remain a feature of the landscape in the region, but without a vital ingredient – the telephone.
British Telecom is currently seeking to remove scores of underused public payphones from across the North East.
But it is offering communities with under-threat red kiosks the chance to save the boxes – even when the phone equipment is removed.
BT is offering the free option, having been approached by members of the public, parish councils and local communities who value their booth for historic or aesthetic reasons.
And the company says it recognises the significant role the “iconic” kiosks play in the nation’s heritage and that they should be able to remain as “focal points of their communities”.
Last night villagers said they would prefer the kiosks to be retained complete with phone. But if they are unable to save the phone, they would welcome retention of the booths.
BT is proposing to remove two red phone boxes in the parish of Carham, in Berwick Borough. One is at Mindrum, and the other at Carham village.
Raymond Brydon, chairman of Carham Parish Council, said both booths had been in place as long as he could remember.
Coun Brydon, of Sunilaws Farm, said: “I do think they are part of the countryside. The only thing I would ask is who is then responsible for the maintenance? With the best will in the world, you could get some mindless thug driving at night and thinking it is highly amusing to put stones through the window.
“There is nothing worse than a red phone box that has fallen into disrepair. But I would like to see the old boxes left.”
The red booth at Newton by the Moor, near Alnwick, is also on BT’s hit-list.
Newton on the Moor and Swarland Parish Council has discussed keeping the box if the phone is removed, which would cost it £1, or £17 if it chooses to light the kiosk.
Coun David Rixon, a parish and district councillor, said removing the booth – in a designated conservation area – would alter the character of the village. “The slight worry at the moment is that 4,500 Americans want to buy them, to ship them to America, it is something we need to keep our eye on,” he said.
“I think it is an important part of our heritage quite honestly, boxes are quite attractive. We do not want to see it go.”
A spokeswoman for BT said: “While it is essential that we continue to review and re-align the provision of a public payphone service, we also recognise the historical significance of the red telephone kiosks to communities across the country.
“We hope that where communities recognise they no longer require a public payphone service, our Adopt a Kiosk programme will provide a viable alternative to potential removal.”
To see how the issue is also affecting people in County Durham, click the link below
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