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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