BT to do away with phone boxes (From Ealing Times)

BT to do away with phone boxes

9:00am Monday 23rd August 2004

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PLANS to remove 37 phone boxes across the borough may lead to the end of them, claims an MP.

Ealing North MP Stephen Pound believes the announcement by BT to remove less profitable phone boxes from his constituency could be a sign of things to come.

He said: "Nine boxes are marked for the chop and while we will still have 104 in my constituency this seems to be the shape of things to come. I've contacted constituents in the areas and received only one objection indeed three more have been suggested."

Mr Pound is calling on any of his constituents who object to these plans to contact him.

He added: "Although the consultation period has run out I have told BT that there has been no public debate on this subject.

"I have been assured that any comments will be considered before final decisions are taken."

A spokesman for BT confirmed the phone boxes have been earmarked for removal but wanted to reassure the public that they are still committed to the service. Paul Hendron, director of BT Payphones, said: "We recognise that people in Ealing may have concerns about our plans to reduce the number of payphones, but I would like to reassure them BT is still committed to the service, particularly for the communities who need us most. We will manage the changes sensitively through extensive consultation with local representatives."

Residents can contact Steve Pound at the House of Commons with any objections on 020 7219 1140

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