Decision details
BT consultation on phone box removal Autumn 2020
Decision Maker: Assistant Director Talk Community Programme (Historic)
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
To approve the retaining of 34 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
Decision:
That:
the council object to the removal of 34 and agree with the removal of 5 public call boxes in the county, due to relevant factors, as detailed in Appendix A.
Alternative options considered:
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 A, BT notification letter and list of phone boxes affected
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Consultees
Phone box users and local residents through BT
notices in phone boxes affected, plus relevant parish councils and
ward members.
Contact: Philippa Lydford, Local Resources and Assets Officer Email: plydford@herefordshire.gov.uk.
Publication date: 08/12/2020
Date of decision: 08/12/2020
Effective from: 15/12/2020
Accompanying Documents: