British Telecom's proposal to withdraw a very large number of public telephone kiosks from our rural areas is, I would suggest, a most ill-considered move.
No consideration has been given to the fact that in many rural areas, especially in the North York Moors National Park and other remote areas of North Yorkshire, mobile phone coverage is at best intermittent, and in many cases, impossible.
While m
any rural residents have land-lines, some do not and without access to a public kiosk they will be considerably disadvantaged.
In an area such as this where there are a great many walkers, cyclists and tourists travelling by other means, the availability of a public kiosk is important.
On many occasions they have proved to be a lifeline in an emergency.
Even where there is adequate mobile phone reception, there are instances where someone may wish to make a call in private, especially if they are a victim of domestic or child abuse and would not want the call to be traced or would want to contact a helpline without the perpetrator being aware.
The traditional kiosks have been a feature of the English countryside for generations and should remain so.
British Telecom’s proposals are yet another example of rural areas being undermined to the detriment of residents who are already suffering considerably from the high cost of fuel especially where there is no alternative public transport.
The Government should look to appoint a minister dedicated to rural services or we shall see more services axed following the closure of the many sub post offices and now kiosks.
Parish councils should take advantage of the consultation period on the kiosks withdrawal proposal by sending the strongest possible objection to BT by the closing date of 25 July.
Coun David Jeffels, chairman, Yorkshire Rural
Community Council
The full article contains 310 words and appears in Whitby Gazette Tuesday newspaper.
