Fears are realised

Rotting fox found in long grass

The six phone boxes earmarked for decommissioning in East Kilbride last year could still be scrapped despite previously being saved.

We told you last August how almost 40 phone boxes across South Lanarkshire were to be cut off by network operator BT.

More than 20 were saved from the axe after a public backlash – but now BT say the lines could still go dead if public support is not reiterated.

Initial proposals included phones in Larkhall Road, Glassford; Westwood Square, Westwood Hill, Calderwood Square and St Leonards Square in East Kilbride.

They were set to be saved with one on Calderwood Road – which had no calls in 12 months – earmarked for the axe.

But new proposals by BT would see the removal of a further 26 phone boxes in South Lanarkshire including 22 which were kept following a consultation last year.

Phone boxes facing closure here include the ones previously cited as well as one on Chalmers Crescent (which has had nine calls in 12 months) and one on Strathfillan Road Road, which has had no calls in the last year.

Residents will now have until August 21 to put forward their views after South Lanarkshire Council as part of a public consultation on the proposals.

Objections must have justification like no mobile coverage in a particular area meaning a payphone is necessary, or that the payphone is well-used by residents or the passing public.

Comments on the proposals can be made by completing an online survey, emailing planning@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk, or by writing to the head of planning and economic development at the council’s headquarters.

No boxes are earmarked for closure in East Renfrewshire.