Fight on to save public payphones

Five public payphones have been earmarked for removal in Cannock Chase but the district council wants three of them retained. Consultations are taking place over one in six Staffordshire boxes.

The five BT phoneboxes which could go due to low usage are situated at Watling Street and Cemetery Road in Cannock, Brindley Heath Road in Hednesford and Hagley Road and Queensway in Rugeley.

After a review of the telecom giant's payphone network, BT has to consult local authorities for permission to remove a kiosk if there is not another within 400 metres.

If the authority objects, it has to provide a valid reason for its retention.

BT spokeswoman Emma Tenant said: "Some kiosks are used less than once a month – some even haven't been used at all in the last 12 months. The situation has become significantly worse in the last two years."

Cannock Chase Council has been undertaking background research and has been in contact with all affected ward councillors and town and parish councils.

Draft decisions will be posted at each of the payphones affected, in all local libraries and council offices and on the council's website.

BT's proposals will be considered on August 21.