MID Devon District Council has been advised by British Telecom that it proposes to remove 38 public telephone boxes across Mid Devon, including several in the Crediton area.

The removal is on the basis of low usage, the extent of mobile network coverage for normal and emergency use and that most people do not view payphones as essential for most customers in most circumstances.

Comments from the community are being sought as part of a consultation exercise. The Council is co-ordinating consultation responses and will respond to BT on a case-by-case basis on whether the proposed loss of the telephone box is agreed, objected to or whether the community wish to adopt the box themselves.

Responses should be sent either by email to: [email protected] with the subject marked as “Phone box removal” and the identity of the telephone box in question, or in writing for the attention of Mrs A Fish, Planning Service, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6PP.

Responses should be received by Tuesday, October 25.

The local telephone boxes proposed by BT for removal are School Close, Shobrooke; Opposite Church Lane, East Street, Crediton; Sandford Bridge, Mill Lane, Sandford; Moorland View, Lapford; Frogberry Cross, Coldridge; Eastleigh, Coldridge; Copplestone; Morchard Road; Bus shelter, New Buildings; Opposite Colebrooke Post Office; The Green, Down St Mary; Half Moon Hotel, Cheriton Fitzpaine; Stockleigh Pomeroy; Cruwys Arms, Pennymoor; The Mullberry Junction, Church Lane, Cheriton Bishop; Chawleigh; Westleigh; Puddington Cross; Nomansland and Black Dog.

Carol Furze