To approve the retaining of 6 at risk public phone boxes, in full working order, in response to a formal consultation by British Telecom (BT). As set out by Ofcom, BT has an obligation to consult with Herefordshire Council with regard to the proposed removals. In some cases, a payphone can still be essential local service, where there is unreliable mobile coverage and in the absence of mobile access.

That:

(a)        the council object to the removal of 6 public call boxes in the county due to relevant factors, as detailed in Appendix 2.

1.         There are no alternative options which are practicable. It is the role of Herefordshire Council to consult locally and to make a decision based on the responses and local information, on whether the payphones can be removed, adopted or are retained. In accordance with section 49 of the Communications Act 2003 ('the Act'), Herefordshire Council is required to make a decision "in response to a proposal by British Telecommunications plc for the removal of public call boxes pursuant to Part 2 of the Schedule to a Direction published by Ofcom on 14 March 2006." More detail is set out in Appendix 1, BT notification letter and list of phone boxes affected.