EAST Lindsey District Council has begun a campaign to encourage the telephone giant, British Telecom, to rethink its plans to remove 72 public telephone boxes in the District.

BT announced plans in April to remove a total of 308 public telephone boxes in Lincolnshire, meaning the loss of the vital service for many rural communities.

Residents are being encouraged to let the District Council have their views on the proposed removals so it can submit a comprehensive consultation response to BT detailing the affect it would have on the district.

Leader of East Lindsey District Council, Councillor Doreen Stephenson, said: "The erosion of simple services such as public telephone boxes in rural areas is a travesty. In some cases they provide an important link for visitors and residents in difficult or even emergency situations. While the economics may stack up, the lack of support to rural communities does not."

If you would like to make comments about the proposed closures, contact your local District Councillor or write to Nadine Must, East Lindsey District Council, Tedder Hall, Manby Park, Manby, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 8UP or e-mail Nadine.must@e-lindsey.gov.uk

All comments must be received by July 14, 2008.

Public telephone boxes threatened with closure

Consultation letter from BT

First Notification under Section 49(4) of the Communications Act 2003

Letter to the Secretary of State First Notification

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