BT: NO PLANS TO REMOVE ‘DRUG DEAL’ PHONE BOXES

BT is resisting calls to remove public pay phones that are hotspots for drug users and dealers.

The booths, on Y Maes, Caernarfon, are regularly used by pushers and users, and local politicians want them to be dismantled.

Last month, Caernarfon Town Council passed a motion calling for action to be taken following concerns the behaviour was bad for the image of the town, with the booths standing just yards from the iconic castle.

But this week, BT has confirmed it has no plans to remove them as both are regularly used for making calls.

A spokesman did confirm, however, that both the shelves and doors have already been removed to make it harder for the dealers and users to conceal their behaviour.

But despite this, both the local MP and local councillors have urged BT to reconsider.

Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams, who represents Arfon in Parliament, said: “Despite some steps already having been taken to deter criminal behaviour, my constituents remain concerned that these payphone kiosks serve as a hot-spot for drugrelated activity and they want to see BT take immediate action.

“I’m disappointed that BT have so far refused to consider removing the kiosk closest to the post office and removing the advertising strips which make it much easier for drug takers to conceal their activities.

“I am urging BT to engage positively with the concerns of the local community and put the safety and security of my constituents before any commercial interest.”

Cllr Cai Larsen added: “I’m disappointed in BT for failing to take this matter seriously. Their payphones on the Maes are causing significant problems for those who live, work in and use the area.

“Any company which takes its responsibilities seriously would surely do all it could to assist in these matters.”

A BT spokesperson said: “We have no plans to remove these payphones as calls are regularly made from them. We work closely with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and we’d encourage anyone who spots any criminal activity to report this to the police.

“We’ve also removed the shelves and doors from the kiosks to address local concerns.”