Streetly phone box saved and renovated
An old phone box has been saved and renovated for the community after a campaign.
The group is making plans for an official launch of the phone box in Streetly on May 29 at midday.
It has been named 'The Exchange' and filled with books, DVDs and CDs.
Anne-Marie Goodchild, a Streetly resident who previously worked for BT, spearheaded the campaign to save the phone box, which was supported by the community at large. Following a successful campaign to keep the structure, the group set about renovating it for community use.
Anne-Marie said: "I’m delighted that we have been able to save this red phone box in Burnett Road and rename it “The Exchange”. These structures are designed beautifully, and they are a wonderful, visual reminder of the past.
"I have heard nothing but positive feedback from residents since we opened “The Exchange” filled with books, DVDs, CDs and seeds and it makes the hard work of the team on the renovation well worth it. I hope the community continues to be supportive of this going forward.”
Community activist Jennifer Gray said: “I didn’t notice this phone box before Anne-Marie contacted me. It was broken, faded and redundant. It blended into the background. Now, you can’t help but admire the brightly coloured red paintwork and inviting selection of books on display.
“It’s free, and for the whole community. Anyone can go past and pick up a book, or browse the seed selection. Indeed, when my daughter told me at 8.15pm that she needed seeds for a school project that morning, I knew just where to go!
“The team can be really proud of what they have achieved, and I will certainly be there to see the official launch.”
