Plans to close public phone boxes

BT is considering closing 44 phone boxes

Plans to close 44 phone boxes in an area of Cumbria because of lack of use have been revealed.

Eden District Council is holding a public consultation on behalf of British Telecom to find out what local people think of the proposals.

A spokesman for the council said mobile phones were responsible for the decline but said some isolated people may feel the service is "critical."

The council will consider the views of locals before discussions with BT.

Residents have until 18 July to comment .

The Council's portfolio holder for community services, Councillor Mary Robinson said: "We appreciate that high mobile phone ownership has diminished the use of phone boxes over recent years.

"However, there are people who may be vulnerable in Eden's rural areas who in certain circumstances will regard a telephone box as a critical service at a vital time.

"We will be looking to keep the telephone boxes where a strong case for retention can be made."

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