Update on Tel. box removal options

Phone box ‘theft’ update

Following the last News story about our phone boxes we are now in a position to update on the latest developments. As some of you will know, recent coverage of the issue by the Westmorland Gazette has identified that the council thought the onus was on the local community to make representations to WFC if they wanted them to dismiss the BT removal application. Clearly WFC would have to acknowledge that they had an obligation to respond to the notice and our WFC councillors have seemingly expressed their disappointment with the officer’s actions (or lack of it). Local resident Paul Benson has made a formal stage 2 complaint to WFC and awaits a response

Solutions – Whilst we await a more detailed explanation, the community has been exploring options for the replacement of the phone boxes. (both Garsdale Head and at the Village). It is suggested that the issue perhaps need to be looked at in two parts; (1) Loss of a emergency communications facility in the event of power/mobile comms loss and (2) Loss of the boxes as a historic social YDNPA feature in the Dale. It is suggested that discussions in regard to the latter could be had by the PC at a later date but the principle and urgent issue is the loss of current emergency connectivity in the event of power failure. In this respect Paul Benson has been in touch with both mobile service providers and B4rn to consider options.

Village Phone – for this area it is suggested that an external phone connection could be sited next to the defibrillator at the village hall. This could be housed within a small break-sealed cabinet. In respect to the type of phone this could be either (1) a standard Iphone 14, 15 or 16 which have confirmed emergency satellite connectivity or (2) a B4rn handset connected to the router. The purchase/running cost of the Iphone option is unfortunately quite prohibitive (c£1400) and brings with it the risk of theft/damage. The latter B4rn option is potentially just c£200-250 and might reasonably be expected to be funded by donations. We can advise that B4rn have confirmed that a connection and router is already positioned within the Village Hall and they would be willing to attach two phones to the system; one outside next to the defibrilator and one inside for the use of the user groups/maintenance teams. The installation would be free and there would be zero usage/rental charges for both internet and calls. The only costs therefore are the c£150 cost of specialised batteries (to keep the router working during power failures) and c£50-100 for an external cabinet.

Garsdale Head – for this area it is suggested that the railway should be asked to reinstate their public phone (since this was seemingly removed because coverage existed just down the road…). Initial enquiries have been made by Paul Benson with Network Rail who have recorded the communities concerns on both safety and disabled access grounds with the loss of emergency connectivity at an unmanned station. We await a response. A champion is really needed within the community in this area to chase this action and perhaps look at other options for an alternative location for the sighting of an emergency phone. Options might again exist to site an Iphone or B4rn phone within the station if the railway are not minded to directly assist.

Written and submitted by Paul Benson

Proof read, edited, and uploaded by Jack Butterworth