Published: Wednesday, 12th November, 2008 6:00am

Council sees red over phone boxes

by David Knox

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COUNCILLORS have hung up the phone on BT"s offer to adopt threatened boxes across the Borders.

A list of 40 traditional red phone boxes - including Newstead, Midlem,

Fountainhall, Clintmains, Earlston and Selkirk - all face the chop.

The local authority was asked to Adopt a Kiosk, where the phone was

removed and the box remains, or Sponsor a Kiosk, where a cashless phone

service is still provided within each box at a cost of £500 per year.

But both options got a harsh reception at yesterday"s Scottish Borders

Council Executive meeting.

Councillor Michael Cook blasted: 'This is an unappealing offer from BT

and they know that the council is not going to undertake something that

is ultimately their responsibility.

'I think we should fire a rocket back at BT and let them know what we

think of this.'

Members of the Executive voted unanimously to decline the offer from BT.

But planning director Ian Lindley said he would open up the offer to

community councils around the region.

He said: 'I have already had interest from some community councils.'

Red Gilbert Scott-designed phone boxes were launched in 1936 to

celebrate King George V"s silver jubilee.

editorial@bordertelegraph.com