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Telephone boxes to go in Chelmsford area
ONE in five telephone boxes could face being disconnected in the Chelmsford area under BT proposals.
A 90 day consultation process has been launched by the telephone company regarding 25 kiosks out of the 131 in the local authority area.
A spokesman for BT explained: " BT is committed to providing a public payphone service.
"However over the years as usage has declined BT has been constantly reviewing and where necessary rationalising its public payphone estate in order to meet demand.
He said around 60 per cent of its payphones are unprofitable,
" We have contacted the Chelmsford District Authority to consult with them on our plan to remove 25 payphones.
"In all instances where there is not another payphone within 400 metres we need the local authority's consent to remove the kiosk and if there is a clear social need for those phones then they won't be removed."
Chelmsford Council's cabinet member for planning and building control Neil Gulliver said: "There is no doubt that there has been a fall in the use of public phone boxes as mobile phones have become more popular.
" However, it is important to many local communities to continue to have access to a phone box where mobile reception is patchy or non existent and for those who are unable to, or choose not to have a landline."
He added: "The Council will do all it can to support those communities that need to retain this vital service."
The kiosks earmarked for the chop are in both rural and town areas.
8:11am Thursday 8th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Jack, Maldon on 11:56am Fri 9 May 08
Fair enough given the amount of mobile phones...
Fair enough given the amount of mobile phones...
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