North joy as 151 of 192 pay phones saved in BT U-turn

RESIDENTS in remote communities are celebrating a BT U-turn which has saved 151 of the 192 pay phones the company had intended axing as a loss-maker.

Customers argued that the kiosks provide a lifeline service to countless remote areas.

Many of the boxes initially earmarked for closure are in areas with no mobile phone signal.

Following a written submission to the telecommunications giant from Highland Council, including comments from community councils, voluntary groups, the police and others, the company has confirmed it will retain 151 pay phones. The council did not object to the loss of the others, which will now be removed.

Council convener Sandy Park said: “We want to thank Highland communities for the strong representations they made to this consultation.

“Rural service provision is an important issue for the Highlands and the council is pleased that this has been recognised by BT with their response.”

Inverness councillor Drew Hendry, a leading campaigner on the issue, said: “I’m really pleased, but I’d liked to have seen them all retained and I would liked to have seen them bring back coin operation because that’s been one of the limiting factors.

“It also set up the situation where they say they’re not used that much. If they’re not easy to use they won’t be used.”

The final response to BT for the Highlands can be found on the homepage of the council's website at www.highland.gov.uk