Removing public phone boxes in Cheltenham

BT has identified 27 public payphones in Cheltenham which they propose to remove.

Consultation notices have been placed by BT on the relevant payphones, which are in Oakley, Charlton Kings, St Marks, Warden Hill, Springbank, Prestbury, Pittville, Lansdown, Benhall, Leckhampton, Tivoli, Hatherley, Swindon Village and All Saints.

Overall use of payphones has declined by over 90 per cent in the last decade and the need to provide payphones for use in emergency situations is diminishing all the time.

The BT consultation letter includes the list of payphones which are proposed for removal, including the number of calls made from each in the last 12 months.

Cheltenham Borough Council is seeking feedback from the community on whether they agree with the proposal or object to the removal of any of the payphones. All responses will be collated and included in the response to BT. There is also the option for communities to adopt a traditional red telephone box for £1, to be used as a local asset.

Cllr Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, says: “Historically, payphones served a local need so we welcome views from our residents on whether any of these public payphones are still used and needed, or whether they would be happy to see them taken away.”

To comment by email on any of the proposed removals, please write to [email protected] by Monday 9 January, in order to be included in the response.