Yet another Powys payphone under threat (Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats)

Cymraeg
English

Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats <info@brecon-radnor-libdems.org.uk>

Yet another Powys payphone under threat

September 25, 2009 12:00 AM

Brecon & Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams has condemned BT's proposals to remove yet another pay phone, this time in the village of Tirabad.

Following a string of recent proposed closures across the county, Tirabad payphone has become the latest casualty. The proposals were uncovered by chance at a site meeting between Kirsty Williams AM, Powys County Council and representatives from the local community council, to discuss street lighting.

Kirsty Williams said: "It seems that the Community Council was unaware of the proposals until we found the notice inside the payphone, such lack of consultation is highly worrying. When we tested the phone it was broken and I fear that low usage figures will be quoted as reason for closure, when in fact the phone is out of service.

"Like so many of the growing number of phone box's under threat this is an isolated situation with unreliable mobile coverage and so is an essential lifeline in emergency situations.

"Even if the phone is only used once or twice a week it still has the potential to save lives. BT has an obligation to maintain a network of pay phones on the grounds of public safety and social inclusion not on economic viability.

"I have written to BT calling for them to reconsider their proposals and I trust they will listen."

Ends.