MP campaigns against BT Phone Box Removals in West Lothian

Michael Connarty MP has personally contacted Ian Shanks, Head of Scottish Affairs at BT, to make known his objections to the proposed removal of certain BT Payphone Boxes within the West Lothian area. He has also given his submissions to the Consultation Team at BT who are dealing with the Rationalisation of BT Payphone Boxes.

Michael conducted Surveys in the most rural areas where BT intended to remove the payphone boxes, the results of which demonstrated the strength of the feeling in the local communities about the removal of their public phone boxes. 83% of people in Newton wanted to retain the payphone box on the Main Street. 52% of people in Westfield wished to retain the payphone box at Craigrigg Cottages. And, a massive 95% of people in Torphichen wanted to retain the payphone box situated on The Square.

Michael said, “BT should realise the need for public telephones in an emergency is vital and is a strong advert for their services. I hope they will listen to reason”.

Many of the payphone boxes targeted for removal are sited in very isolated areas of the smaller villages in West Lothian, where both locals and passing traffic rely on the BT Payphone service in cases of emergency, such as road traffic accidents or fire, police and ambulance services. To remove such payphone boxes would compromise their safety.