Chance to speak up on payphones
Four boxes in Rutherglen area could go
Four payphones in the Rutherglen area could be switched off as part of a South Lanarkshire programme by BT with some going days without being used.
South Lanarkshire Council are now carrying out a survey to find out if the proposed closures would affect the local community.
The payphones listed are on Cruachan Road, which had 381 calls made over 12 months, Spittal Road, which had 334 calls made in 12 months, Main Street/McCallum Avenue which had 98 calls in 12 months and Stonelaw Road, which had 178 calls made over the 12 month period.
The four phones were used less than three times a day between them during that period.
With the rise of mobile phones, BT has stated that the overall use of payphones has reduced by more than 90 per cent in the last decade and therefore the need to provide payphones for emergency situations is falling, with at least 98 per cent of the UK now having either 3G or 4G coverage.
As there is network coverage, it is possible to call emergency services even when there is no credit or no coverage from mobile providers.
Two of the boxes are in the Rutherglen South ward and Councillor Gerard Killen said no- one had approached him expressing concerns.
He added: “Given the huge decline in overall use of pay phones I don’t anticipate much response but, since two of the better used ones are in my ward, I’m encouraging anyone with an interest to complete the survey on the council’s website.”
In August 2016, BT posted a notice on each of the payphones proposed for removal, advising of their proposals.
Under Ofcom regulations, South Lanarkshire Council now has responsibility for carrying out a consultation with the local community on BT’s proposals.
BT requires justification for any objection made to the removal of a payphone, such as there being no mobile coverage in a particular area; the payphone being well used by residents or the passing public or it may be located close to an accident blackspot.
More information, including how to take part in the survey, can be found at http:// www. southlanarkshire.gov.uk/news.
The closing date for comments and completing the survey is Tuesday, October 18.