URGENT CALL FOR REMOVAL OF HAZARDOUS PHONE BOXES

Southside District BID has issued an urgent call for the removal of five BT phone boxes, which have the potential to cause a public health hazard.

The five phone boxes have become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, with Southside BID wardens reporting regular sightings of used needles and excrement inside. They are not maintained by BT, and despite ongoing discussions and an onsite meeting with the telecommunications company, no agreement has been reached to remove the booths.

In its effort to lobby BT, Southside District has engaged local artist James Cowper to wrap the phone boxes with bold hazard tape to draw attention to the unsafe environment that they create.

Southside District Manager, Julia Robinson, says: “Our calls for the removal of the booths have long been ignored by BT, so we needed to take action and emphasise the hazard the company are creating for our residents, business owners and visitors.

“Having five phone boxes within 100 yards is completely unnecessary, and BT refuses to maintain them, so they do not fulfil Covid-19 hygiene requirements and cannot be used for their purpose. Keeping Southside safe is our top priority, and we hope this campaign will show BT that these booths must be removed urgently.”