BT reveals plans to axe at least 28 Richmondshire payphones
RESIDENTS are being urged to come forward with information to help save 28 public payphones in Richmondshire.
As part of a formal consultation process, BT has written to Richmondshire District Council announcing its plans to remove the payphones.
Following a review in 2005, BT's obligations to provide payphone coverage have changed. The company has therefore identified 28 payphones in Richmondshire that it says are "little used by consumers", and earmarked them for removal. It will post notices in each of these threatened payphones in early June.
The Council has 90 days to collate responses to these proposals and make representations to BT.
BT's letter to the Council states that 60 per cent of its payphones nationwide no longer cover their costs, and that the number of calls made from payphones has more than halved in the last three years. It says 90 per cent of UK homes now have a mobile phone.
Melva Steckles, Leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: "Removing these public payphones would be yet another damaging blow to our rural communities, particularly coming so soon after the Post Office closures.
"Not everyone has a mobile phone, and in fact there isn't even any reception in many of our rural areas. Although they may not be used very often, public payphones do provide an important service. In an emergency, having a payphone nearby could literally mean the difference between life and death.
"That's why it's very important that Richmondshire residents arm us with the information we need to save these phones. We hope as many people as possible will take a stand, and give us specific reasons why each payphone should stay."
The Council has set up a website, at richmondshire.gov.uk/btpayphones, where residents can find out which payphones are under threat, and formally respond to the proposals. A full list will also be available from our Community Offices. Responses can also be made in writing to Helen Harper, Policy Officer, Swale House, ,Richmond, DL10 4JE. Initial comments should be received by July 21 – there will also be a further opportunity to comment after this.
BT requires justification for any objection to the removal of a payphone, so it is important that comments relate to specific payphones, and are supported by evidence.
In addition, BT says it will remove "a number" of public payphones in Richmondshire which are within 400 metres of another. The company says it is not required to consult on the removal of these phones, and is only advising the Council "out of courtesy".
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Last updated:
30 May 2008
