KEETCH CALLS ON RESIDENTS TO SAVE PUBLIC TELEPHONE BOXES

11.25.00am GMT Tue 8th Jul 2008

Local MP Paul Keetch is calling on residents to voice their opinion on BT's plans to remove numerous public telephone boxes across the county.

BT gave Herefordshire Council details of the proposed closures on 2 April 2008, advising them that the Council had a duty to canvass the views of the local communities and involve Parish Councils. Having received the full details the Council failed to notify anyone of BT's plans until the 12 June 2008 when County Councillors were eventually informed of the consultation period, which was originally due to end 2 July 2008. The consultation period has now been extended to the 18 July 2008.

Paul Keetch said:

"I believe that public telephone boxes can be vital in areas that do not receive any or limited mobile phone coverage, for example. In an emergency, people may well need to go to a phone box in their village or neighbourhood. I am therefore urging all Parish Councils who may be affected by these closures to hold meetings so that residents may have the opportunity to participate in the consultation process and make a considered response, but they must do so urgently to meet the deadline"

Information is available from Anthony Bush, Parish Liaison and Rural Services Officer, on 01432 260 611 or email abush@herefordshire.gov.uk or write to him at, Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, PO Box 4, Hereford, HR4 0XH