Views sought on proposed removal of 19 public call boxes in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire communities are being asked for views on the proposed removal of 19 public call boxes in the area by BT.

The telecommunications company is currently conducting a consultation on the proposed removal of public call boxes where they do not meet Ofcom’s criteria for protection. 

The criteria protect a phone box if it is the last remaining in an area where:

•    it does not have coverage from all four mobile network providers; or
•    it is located in an area with a high frequency of accidents or other emergencies; or
•    it has made 52 or more calls over the past 12 months; or
•    there is other evidence of a reasonable need for the phone box

Local authorities can make representations and provide evidence for BT to consider before a final decision is made, if it is felt that there are reasonable grounds to retain a box. 

Community councils have already been approached for feedback, and individuals and communities are encouraged to respond to complete a short survey if they feel there is a reasonable need to retain any of the listed phone boxes. 

The consultation will close on Monday, April 28. Further information, including locations of sites proposed for removal and the survey for completion, can be found via https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/