Future bleak for public phone box

Payphone usage has halved in the last two years

National telecommunications provider BT is looking at removing hundreds of public phone boxes across Lincolnshire.

The firm has contacted local authorities about removing 308 phone booths, and plans to remove more kiosks where consultation is not required.

BT said almost 60% of its UK payphones were unprofitable with about 6,000 used to make less than one call a month.

It said payphone usage had halved in the last two years and calls were still declining at 20% year on year.

District councils are being consulted on the removal of 72 boxes in East Lindsey, 46 in North Kesteven, 72 in South Kesteven, 16 in the Boston area, 41 around South Holland, 56 in West Lindsey and 5 around Lincoln.

According to Ofcom guidelines, where there is not another payphone within 400m the local authority's consent is required to remove the kiosk.