2004 press releases

Local MP Opposes Payphone Cull

Lewes MP, Norman Baker has today hit back at BT over their plans to axe public telephone boxes from locations all over the constituency.

BT wants to remove 17 of the 105 payphones in the area because they aren't profitable, but the MP says that although BT is a private company, it also has a public duty to provide payphone services.

Mr Baker is requesting feedback from local town and parish councils and the general public on BT's proposed plans.

Commenting on this Norman says:

"I am dismayed by BT's plans to dismantle local payphones simply because they aren't making money.

"I can understand that the demand for public payphones has diminished in line with increased mobile telephone usage but it is important to recognise that public telephones are more than simply a convenience. Payphones are an essential public service and can provide a lifeline in emergency situations, particularly along busy roads.

" The need for public telephones was made only too clear to me when I used to live at Beddingham, where people involved in accidents would often knock on local doors asking to use the telephone. My campaign to install a public telephone was successful, yet now BT plans to take it away again. The need has not diminished. Indeed, with extra traffic flows, it may even have increased. It is quite frankly unacceptable that the only payphone along a road as busy as the A27 between Selmeston and Brighton is to be removed.

"I am therefore calling on local councils and residents to let me know their reaction to BT's plans and whether they will be personally affected by the removal of the telephone boxes." 

ENDS [Constituency - JS - 13/05/04] 

Please find attached details of the telephone boxes affected Public telephones affected by BT's plans

Outside Seaford Railway Station, Station Approach, Seaford 

Outside No. 56,58 Saltwood Road, Seaford 

Adjacent to No.273 (Junction with Wannock Road), Eastbourne Road, Polegate 

Opposite Cricketers' Arms, Berwick 

Outside Northview Farm, Chalvington 

Outside Lych Gate Streat Chruch, Streat Lane, Streat 

Junction of Gundreda Road/Prince Edward's Road, Lewes 

Outside Social Services, near Junction of Western Road/Spital Road, Lewes 

Junction of Russell Row, Near No. 180 Old Malling Way, Lewes

 Junction of Fitzroy Road, Opposite No. 6 Pellbrook Road, Lewes

 Kybo Stand,Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton 

Outside St Peter's Church, Chailey Green The Green, Newick

 Opposite The Lodge, Church Road, Barcombe 

Outside Public Weighbridge, Opposite 1 & 2 Dairy Cottages, Beddingham, Lewes 

Outside Harbour Tavern, Transit Road, Newhaven Outside Jaybee Engineering, Avis Way, Newhaven

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