BT calls time on payphones in Aberdeenshire
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For the second time in less than 12 months BT are carrying out a consultation on the proposed removal of public phone boxes in Aberdeenshire.
A previous round of removals in the north-east led to a successful campaign mounted by locals in Monymusk to retain their red phone box while in Ellon, councillors worked to ensure the kiosk at Modley Place was retained.
BT's current consultation ends on October 25, however this is the date for the acceptance of reasons for phones to be retained by council officers.
Aberdeenshire Council are therefore encouraging locals to submit their reasons via either local councillors or area managers by the beginning of September where possible.
Payphones in the consultation include-
Fettercairn
Keith Muir Gardens, Drumoak.
Beltie Road, Torphins.
Tornaveen Public Hall, Torphins.
Eden Cottage on B9119, Echt.
Public call office, Glebe Land, Kirkton of Skene.
Muirend Road, Portlethen.
Village Hall, Fintray.
Public Hall, Udny Station.
School Road, Newburgh.
Crossfolds Crescent, Peterhead.
The Square, Mintlaw.
Modley Place, Ellon.
Market Street, Ellon
Market Square, Oldmeldrum.
Town hall, Market Place, Inverurie
Kendal Road, Kemnay.
Post Office, Monymusk.
Bleachfield Street, Huntly.
Cairnwell, Glenshee Road, Braemar.
Inverey, Braemar.
Public Hall, Glenbuchat, Strathdon
Kildrummy Inn, Kildrummy, Alford.
Essie Road, Rhynie.
A BT spokesman said; "Overall the use of payphones has declined by over 90 per cent in the last decade and the need to provide payphones for use in emergency situations is diminishing all the time, with at least 98 per cent of the UK having mobile coverage.
"It is possible to call the emergency services, even when there is no coverage from your own mobile network provider.
"Ofcom’s affordability report also found that most people no longer view payphones as essential for consumers in most circumstances."
