West Devon Borough Council (WDBC) is currently holding a consultation after being informed by BT that 28 public pay phones have been identified for possible removal in the West Devon area. Residents are being asked to comment on the draft proposals via a survey on the council’s website before midnight on Sunday, December 11.
In Lewdown, the phone boxes that have been highlighted are located at Portage Hill Cottages, the Lewdown telephone exchange and in Croyton. Phoneboxes at Cross Meadow in Spreyton and in Beaworthy village have also been listed.
The survey highlights the usage of each phone box over the last 12 months. The phone box at Portgate Hill Cottages had three calls from it in the past 12 months, the phone box at the Lewdown telephone exchange had six, Croyton had four, Cross Meadow in Spreyton had just two and the phone box in Beaworthy village had only one.
Spreyton Parish Council was asked for its recommendations as a consultee. Following discussion regarding the level of usage of the boxes located in the area, it was decided that the parish council agreed to the removal of the boxes, due to the lack of use.
Spreyton parish clerk Clive Wootton said: ‘The council has agreed to the removal of the phone box at Cross Meadow, as it has only been used twice in the past year.
‘We understand that we are on the edge of Dartmoor, hence why we objected ten years ago to the removal. However, back then not as many people had mobile phones. Now, the majority of people do have mobile phones to use when they are out.’
At the end of the consultation period West Devon Borough Council will collate the responses from the public and consultees and co-ordinate a draft decision to the Secretary of State and BT.
Other phone boxes up for possible removal include Old School House in Lifton and Lifton Down.
Cllr Mike Benson, WDBC lead member for the environment, said: ‘While this is unfortunate, the vast majority of people now make their phone calls on mobile phones so a reduction in the number of phone boxes was inevitable.
‘However, we are aware that in some areas there will be communities who still feel the need to retain their public telephone boxes. We would suggest that if you have concerns please do speak to your town or parish council or your local ward member.
‘This is the opportunity for local people to go online and have their say about the future of the phone boxes that BT no longer want to operate. Some of these boxes across the country are now being used as quirky local resources, like libraries and locations for defibrillators.’
For a full list of the phone boxes under consultation in West Devon and to comment visit www.westdevon.gov.uk/btsurvey