Plea to BT over kiosk cuts (From Free Press Series)

Plea to BT over kiosk cuts

CONTROVERSIAL plans to slash the number of public phone boxes in Torfaen caused concern in the borough.

British Telecom claim the cuts are planned as part of a nation-wide scheme and are due to an increase in the use of mobile phones.

A total of 14 kiosks will be lost in Torfaen if the plan goes ahead.

But Liberal Democrat Michael German has called on BT to rethink.

He said: "Parts of our community have no mobile signal reception and often individual households have telephone faults which means the pay phone is the only means of communication and is vital for emergencies."

A spokesman for BT explained: "The company is not allowed to subsidise its payphone business and therefore we are aiming to get the balance right between commercial pressures and providing a public service is vital. BT has pledged its commitment to the service, particularly for people who depend on payphones."

They intend to put notices on all the kiosks earmarked for removal and then consult with Torfaen County Borough Council before plans are carried out. A kiosk in Pontypool market is to go.

Market trader Paula Taylor said: "It will be a shame to lose it especially for the old folks, they use it a lot."

Other kiosks facing removal are in Harrpers Road, Wainfelin, Clarence Street Pontypool, Ludlow Close and Pembroke Place, Llanyrafon and Lowlands Road, Pontnewydd.

Anyone concerned about the proposals can lodge objections with the council, ready for the consultation.