News emerged today that the predicted 250 phone box closures across the county have been reduced by around 100. Speaking at a meeting of Cumbria County Council earlier today, Council Leader Tim Stoddard said:
"There was a significant public outcry at the plans by BT to close over 250 phone boxes. Officers from the county council met with BT to explain those concerns and stress the social importance of phone boxes to vulnerable and isolated communities. Many objections were also received by BT about the closure plans.
It now appears closures will be reduced to around 150. Closures will be made where alternative phone boxes are nearby and after careful review there are no underlying social isolation concerns.
Just as important the company have offered to work with the county council in looking at innovative ways of using the phone box network to provide access to local services, strengthening their community role."