BRUCE & RADCLIFFE Urge Public Participation in BT Phone Box Consultation
September 2, 2004 12:00 AM
Following BT's announcement that they are to review the number of public telephone boxes throughout Scotland, Gordon Parliamentarians Malcolm Bruce MP & Nora Radcliffe MSP are urging constituents to get involved in the consultation launched by BT on the changes.
Over the last three years, the number of calls made from BT payphones has almost halved and the revenue of payphones has dropped by 41%. As a consequence, BT now plans to remove 37 of the company's 117 telephone boxes in the Gordon constituency.
Member of Parliament for Gordon Malcolm Bruce, who is Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, commented:
"Clearly periodic reviews by BT are justified and, considering the upsurge in mobile phone ownership over recent years, it is little wonder that some payphones will have to be removed. However payphones still have an important role in many communities and I am pleased that BT has already pledged to retain a payphone service for people who depend upon it.
"That is why it is important that the public gets involved with this consultation in order to ensure that BT's final decision on the future of these phone boxes is as well informed as possible.
"The removal of some of these telephone boxes may have significant implications and if people feel that is the case then please do let me know by calling my office in Inverurie on 01467 623413."
Gordon MSP Nora Radcliffe commented:
"I am sure that this review will come as no surprise to the majority of people. I for one can't remember the last time I needed to use a public payphone.
"For years, the BT payphone has been a familiar landmark in communities the length and breadth of the country. However, a review of the number of phone boxes required is underway and communities in our area now have the chance to make their views known.
"It is important to remember that not all payphones are to be removed. BT has identified those boxes which it thinks could be withdrawn. Malcolm Bruce and I will be happy to help put the case to BT for retaining those boxes which local communities feel are still required.
"We will also be urging BT to recognise the wishes of communities and the need for access to reliable telephone services, particularly in the more remote areas.
"People now have until the 1st of October to have their say. In the meantime, I am pleased to hear from anyone who has a view on this matter."
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