Time is running out to save BT phone kiosks Residents are asked to share concerns over removals
Perth and Kinross residents are being urged to get in touch soon if they want to save “lifeline” phone kiosks.
More than 80 BT phone boxes are under threat from closure under a review of services by the communications giant.
And a deadline of Monday, November 21 has been set for people to list booths they want retained.
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart and Highland councillor Mike Williamson have called for constituents to come forward if they have any concerns.
Councillor Williamson said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to make Perth and Kinross Council aware of their concerns regarding the possible removal of these lifeline services. There are many located in the Highland ward which I represent, where mobile phone signals can be patchy or non-existent, and I have real concerns about them being taken away.
“I also have concerns about kiosks being removed in areas where there are high numbers of hillwalkers who could rely on them in an emergency situation.”
And Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart added: “Whilst I understand that Perth and Kinross Council is able to recommend to BT which phone boxes are spared, it can only do this after consulting with members of the public. It is important that if you have concerns about specific phone box removals, that you make the council aware of them.
“Many of these services are in very rural communities and whilst phone box usage is sometimes not high, they can be essential in an emergency situation. That is why I hope as many people as possible will make their views known.”
Last month the Perthshire Advertiser revealed the full list of under threat kiosks, including more than a dozen which have had no calls made from them in the past year. But also facing the axe are booths in city districts and town centres, where often hundreds of calls have been made.
BT told us that public input into which booths should be retained is encouraged.
Members of the public can submit their views to Perth and Kinross Planning by emailing developmentmanagement@ pkc.gov.uk by November 21. MP Pete Wishart and Cllr Mike WIlliamson at the under-threat Bridge of Balgie kiosk