WHEN a phone company wanted to ring the changes by removing a village’s traditional red phone box, the call went out to the parish council to keep it.
In the late Eighties, villagers in Langton, near Gainford, County Durham, fought to retain the red telephone kiosk when BT was considering replacing it with a modern glass version.
Now Gainford and Langton Parish Council has agreed to adopt it for only £1 to prevent it from being replaced.
People in the village say that the traditional-style box fits in better with the rest of the architecture in Langton.
Although the well-known red kiosk will remain in the village, BT will disconnect the phone, which is now hardly used because of the popularity of mobile phones.
It would have cost the parish council £500 to keep the phone in service.
Langton parish councillor Clive Dennis said: “Red phone boxes are an iconic design and a part of British tradition, like double-decker buses.
“In a small hamlet like Langton, it is even more important we keep it because there are not too many defining features.
“It will only take a coat of paint every couple of years to keep it looking good.”
Councillor Dennis’ wife, Pat, said: “When the phone box was first threatened, we said to BT that we thought a modern one was entirely out of keeping with a country village like Langton, and they listened to that.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that the phone box will stay here now.”
Sybil Nelson, clerk of Gainford and Langton Parish Council, organised the adoption of the phone box. She said: “We will pay £1 for the phone box.
“It means that BT will pay nothing towards the maintenance and upkeep of the box, but that will be undertaken by people in the village.”
A spokeswoman for BT said: “Even though many people do not actually use them anymore, we recognise that the iconic red K6 kiosk is a focal point for communities, especially the more rural ones.
“Our adoption and sponsorship schemes ensure that the kiosks can remain in-situ for the enjoyment of all.”
Villagers wanted to retain the kiosk for its character.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here