REGARDING the plan by BT to remove the telephone box at Half Moon Hotel, Cheriton Fitzpaine.

The above telephone box is in an area not served by mobile phone signals, indeed even the emergency services own telecoms do not work in the village such is the extent of the signal “black spot.”

With most home telephones now requiring mains power the problem would be even worse during any mains power outage.

Removing this box will effectively condemn anyone suffering a life-threatening injury or medical emergency to death.

I can only assume that in proposing the removal of the telephone box Mid Devon District Council and BT are happy to accept liability for delays in response, loss or property and or deaths caused by our inability to summon the emergency services once this vital lifeline is removed.

Dr Charles Sheldrick

Cheriton Fitzpaine

by email