MSP calls for rethink over plans to axe phone boxes in north-east
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Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has warned that unless residents make their comments known, a number of phone boxes face the axe including one which stands next to a defibrillator installed by residents in case of emergency.
Telecommunications operator BT has announced it plans to remove a number of phone boxes across the north-east.
The proposals include phone boxes in Ellon, Inverurie and Mintlaw.
It comes after Ms Martin backed campaigners who rallied against previous plans to axe the phone box at Udny Station Community Centre in 2016 – which now faces the axe once again.
The defibrillator which is situated next to the phone box, can only be opened with a code, obtained from the ambulance service by calling 999.
Due to the area’s patchy mobile service, fears had been raised before over plans for its removal.
Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “Phone boxes can provide a vital service, particularly in areas where mobile phone signal may vary.
“Phone boxes like the one at Udny Green provide access to a potentially life-saving defibrillator which requires a 999 call to be made to gain access to the equipment.
“I would urge BT to rethink its proposals.
"In less urban areas, phone boxes could offer a lifeline in cases where mobile phone signal could be unavailable.
“The local community has previously worked so hard to voice its concern over similar plans and I would encourage them to do so again and my office and I will support them in any way we can.”
Phone boxes facing removal in Gillian Martin’s constituency of Aberdeenshire East include at the Public Hall, Udny Station; Telephone Exchange, School Road, Newburgh; The Square, Mintlaw; Modley Place Island, Station Road, Ellon; Market Street, Ellon; Old Bank, Market Square, Oldmeldrum; Market Place, Inverurie and the Post Office, Monymusk.
