MSP renews calls to save red phone boxes in Perth and Kinross

Public have spoken out on BT plan to scrap iconic kiosks

BT has been urged to think carefully about the consequences of scrapping phone boxes in parts of rural Perthshire.

The company wants to scrap 25 public phones across Perth and Kinross, and a public consultation on the proposal ended yesterday.

Among the list of phone boxes facing the chop are three in Perth, one in Crieff, two in Blairgowrie, two in Dunkeld and several rural boxes.

Last night MSP Liz Smith urged the firm to think carefully as the boxes can be a lifeline to rural communities.

The politician, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, is hoping as many residents as possible took part in the consultation on the proposed removal of iconic red telephone boxes in Perth and Kinross and Fife.

She said: “I’d like to let the public know that l was in touch with both BT and local authority personnel in Perth and Kinross and Fife, encouraging them to make the case to protect the essential boxes.

“Many of the boxes proposed for removal are located in rural communities where connectivity is already weak.

“Rural communities have already been hit hard by the removal of other local services. I believe red telephone boxes are essential, and this is why I had called on residents to speak out in order to have them retained.”

However BT said the under-threat boxes had suffered a drop in use as mobile phones became more common.

A spokesman said: “Most people now have a mobile phone and calls made from our public telephones have fallen by around 90%in the past decade. We consider a number of factors before consulting on the removal of payphones, including whether others are available nearby and usage.

“The need to provide payphones for use in emergency situations is also diminishing all the time, with at least 98% of the UK having either 3G or 4G coverage.”

The company is hoping community groups will take ownership of the boxes for alternative uses and is offering to sell them for as little as £1.

Most people now have a mobile phone and calls made from our public telephones have fallen by around 90% in the past decade. BT SPOKESMAN