Date: 24/11/2009
Whaley Bridge people have until midday on Wednesday 23 December to have their say on BT's plans to remove a damaged payphone from Bridgemont.
The consultation is being carried out by High Peak Borough Council, which will make the final decision on whether the kiosk stays or goes.
BT says that the telephone has been little used over the last 12 months and has been damaged beyond economic repair by a recent accident. BT adds that the nearest kiosk is 1,000 metres away in Market Street.
However, the council will not make its decision until residents have expressed their views by calling planning officer Andrew Thomson on 0845 129 7777 ext. 3649 or sending an e-mail to andrew.thomson@highpeak.gov.uk. Alternatively, people can write to Andrew in Planning Policy and Design, Municipal Buildings, Glossop, SK13 8AF.
The council will publish a draft decision shortly after the December deadline, following which there will be further consultation before a final decision is made at the end of a statutory 90-day period.
Said Linda Baldry, Executive Councillor for Planning: "We recognise that telephone kiosks can provide a vital public service, which is why we have rejected some of BT's previous applications for removal. However, we also accept that some kiosks are not at all well used.
"In any event, we won't be making a decision until consultation has taken place. Therefore, we want your views - irrespective of whether you want the payphone to stay or go".