Residents of south Down are in a “David v Goliath” fight to save their historic red telephone boxes from removal after BT placed notices on the kiosks saying it “just isn’t enough” for them to “carry on running it”.
This newspaper is aware of two notices — one relating to a phone box on the Woodgrange Road just outside Downpatrick and another in Strangford, which was turned into a lending library by residents in recent years.
The notice reads: “We’re planning to remove this payphone. Unfortunately, it just isn’t enough for us to carry on running it.”
BT are obviously seeking to save money, economise and discard surplus assets, however residents are immensely proud of these local landmarks – Alan Lewis
Those wishing for the box to stay are advised to contact their local authority within 90 days of the notice being placed.
The red telephone boxes were introduced here in 1936 to celebrate King George V’s coronation.
DUP councillor for Clough, Alan Lewis, said the decision by BT to remove the box on the Woodgrange Road is “misguided and an act of cultural vandalism”.
“The battle to maintain these historic phone boxes is like David v Goliath. BT are obviously seeking to save money, economise and discard surplus assets, however residents are immensely proud of these local landmarks,” he said.
“To some, these booths are an inanimate object, but for many, they embody character, and are a visible memory of simpler times and civic pride.
“Their removal is nothing short of cultural vandalism.
“Time and time again communities are having this exact debate with BT, fighting tooth and nail to keep their red phone booth, some having been in place for decades.
“The phone booth at Woodgrange has, like many others, been kept and maintained by the local community, closely guarded, protected, enhanced and repaired, often ignored by BT.
“BT are robbing the village of a central iconic piece of British history.”
DUP councillor for Clough, Alan Lewis, at the Woodgrange Road phone box
Mr Lewis said the red phone boxes are recognised “the world over”.
“In London, tourists queue for hours just to get a picture in or beside one of these red phone booths,” he pointed out.
“There seems to be a constant move to save money, to be more efficient by either replacing these with ugly glass fishbowl-style boxes or scrubbing them from sight altogether.
“But I ask, at what cost? Our history and character are being erased.
“I am asking that BT engages with the local community. Come and speak with residents, don’t simply glide in here and rip this box from existence.
“I’m requesting a last-minute reprieve, if all else fails, then I will adopt this kiosk myself.”
A notice placed on the Strangford phone kiosk by BT
BT launched the ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme in 2008, which allows communities to take ownership of redundant phone boxes for £1 each.
SDLP councillor for the Strangford area, Gareth Sharvin, said that residents of the village had plans to adopt their phone box.
“The proposal to remove the telephone box in Strangford is one that has been met with extreme disappointment from local residents,” he said.
“This is not just a telephone box; it is a community hub used to host books that are available for residents to take and swap it out for another one.
“It also provides a space for community notices and is well photographed by local residents and tourists.
“I will be submitting my objection to the removal and have started work with local residents in adopting the telephone box to protect its future.”
BT has been approached for comment.