Date: 05/01/2010
Whaley Bridge people have until 5pm on Monday 1 February 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. The council's draft decision is that BT should keep the telephone kiosk and repair it.
The council's view is that the 'phone should remain because it is situated on a busy roundabout on the A6 Chapel-en-le Frith bypass, in an area with poor mobile 'phone reception.
As the A6 is also notable for its accident record, there is a strong likelihood that the kiosk would be used in the event of an emergency.
An initial, one-month consultation conducted by the council in November elicited strong public objections including a 44-name petition and a letter from Whaley Bridge Town Council. The initial consultation informed the draft decision on which further views are now sought.
Said Linda Baldry, Executive Councillor for Planning: "Our preliminary view is that the kiosk should stay as it provides a vital public service but a final decision won't be made until the further consultation has taken place. Therefore, we want your views - irrespective of whether you want the payphone to stay or go".
Responses should be sent to planning officer Andrew Thomson on 0845 129 77 77 / 01298 28400 or by e-mail to andrew.thomson@highpeak.gov.uk.