Further information

BT has asked if any parish council would be interested in “adopting” their phone box, for a nominal fee of £1. Many parish councils are interested in that, since it means the box is retained as part of the village.

However, the sting in the tail is that to keep the electricity supply to the box, to run the light, could cost up to £200 a year, since there is generally a standing charge as well as the charge for actual use. If the parish council wishes to keep the box, but have the electricity supply removed, that can cost up to £500.

In both those cases, most parishes would be unable to meet those costs, and would have to reluctantly accept the removal of the box. These historic boxes are an integral part of rural community life, and we wish to see them kept wherever possible.

We shall be negotiating with energy suppliers on behalf of the parishes over the next few weeks, to see if the standing charge can be removed or at least reduced. We shall be hosting a meeting of the parish councils affected in January to discuss joint working to achieve a positive result on this.

We shall be responding to the consultation within the deadline, and in the meantime let your parish council know your views.