Lives could be on line with removal of BT public phones, claim
Lives could be endangered if some of the seven public payphones in the strath are axed as proposed, it has been claimed.
There have been several objections locally to the recently announced plans by BT to remove the payphones.
Two objections have been received by Highland Council to the public phone being removed at sportscotland’s national outdoor centre, Glenmore Lodge.
They emphasise the payphone is essential for reporting mountain emergencies ‘out of hours’ when the lodge is closed.
Safety issues have also been raised over the proposed removal at Tomintoul with two objectors pointing out there is no mobile coverage and the phone is located near snow gates and “so important in emergencies”. Carrbridge Community Council has objected to the proposed closure of the village’s payphone “highlighting significant usage by locals and large numbers of tourists without access to mobile phones”.
Patchy mobile coverage is cited in two objections for the need to retain Cromdale’s public phone and the same case is also argued in Laggan. And one objector has called for the retention of Grantown’s phone “highlighting not insignificant usage and importance in complementing nearby defibrillator”.
There have been no objections to the proposed axing of public phones in Kincraig and at Ralia The council is now seeking final feedback from the public on BT’s proposal to remove 110 public payphones from across the Highlands.
Independent regulator Ofcom states local authorities have the responsibility to co-ordinate consultations on the proposed closures. So far there have been 136 responses in the first phase.
The council is encouraging the public to look at BT’s proposals and comment, giving as much information as possible about the public call boxes lined up for closure.
Following the end of the consultation, a final notice of decision will be published which will outline the council’s position on the proposed removals.
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “Let’s be clear that this is BT’s proposals that we are consulting on and Highland Council is keen to know public opinion on all of these phones
“It’s important that as many people as possible reply to the survey so that we can build an accurate picture of individuals’ and community views and needs.”
She added: “I urge the public to respond to the consultation. People living in the areas of proposed closures are in the best position to know the impact the removal of a payphone would have on them and their community.”
