BT set to axe more than 40 phone boxes across Richmondshire

BT has announced plans to remove 43 public pay phones from across Richmondshire.

Although some of the phone boxes have not been used in the last month, several are being regularly used.

Others are being used infrequently, but are in areas of the district where mobile phone coverage is limited, meaning they may be used in an emergency.

Rick Thompson, BT payphone planning officer, said: “Overall use of payphones has declined by over 90 per cent in the last decade and the need to provide payphone for use in emergency situations is diminishing all the time, with at least 98 per cent of the UK having either 3G or 4G coverage.

Richmondshire District Council has launched a consultation on the proposal from BT.

Residents can complete a survey here.

Alternatively, comments can be forwarded onto the council’s business and community officer, Chloe Lewis, via email at chloe.lewis@richmondshire.gov.uk by Wednesday, November 20.

The phone boxes under threat, and the number of calls made from payphones, in the last 12 months are:

• Town Green, Manfield – 0
• Barton – 4
• Dalton Gates – 0
• Eppleby – 0
• East Hauxwell – 0
• Constable Burton – 1
• Finghall – 0
• Spring Lane, Ellerton – 0
• High Green, Catterick Village – 26
• Tunstall – 2
• Scorton – 14
• Reeth – 10
• Hudswell – 0
• Kirby Hill – 1
• Marske – 0
• Winsdor Avenue, Richmond – 5
• Bedale Road, Scotton – 0
• Broadway, Catterick Garrison – 228
• Grinton – 37
• Reeth – 190
• Langthwaite – 37
• Marrick – 0
• Healaugh – 9
• Thwaite – 23
• Newsham – 0
• Gayles – 0
• Dalton – 0
• Barden – 1
• Wensley – 0
• Redmire – 4
• Preston – 0
• West Witton – 21
• Carlton – 19
• Worton – 1
• Newbiggin – 3
• Greenview, West Burton – 1
• Bishopdale – 0
• Carperby – 0
• Simonstone – 7
• Burtersett – 1
• Sedbusk – 0
• Appersett – 7
• Hardraw – 6