Will Milton Keynes see red over plan to remove phone boxes?

Leaked papers from BT to the council reveal all 65 traditional kiosks are earmarked for removed.

But phone lovers will be given a chance to buy their own box - at a minimum cost of £2,750.

Alternatively communities could club together to ‘adopt’ a kiosk for as little as £1 per person.

BT say the iconic payphones are outdated and usage has declined by more than 90 per cent over the past decade.

A spokesman said: “The need to provide payphones for us in emergency situations is diminishing all the time, with at least 98 per cent of the UK having either 3G or 4G coverage.”

But many residents feel their red phone box is part of their community’s heritage.

Stantonbury ward councillor Alex Walker said: “It would be desperately sad to see the famous red phone boxes close. I hope local communities take up the chance to adopt them for only £1.”

He added: “There are a few in my ward and I hope we can keep them. They give such character and history to a local area. They also make a great picture!”

BT have contact MK council as part of a formal consultation before they remove the boxes.

The council can object - but must give valid reasons.

BT has also placed public consultation notices on all 65 affected kiosks and users are advised to contact the council if they have any objections or comments.

”More than 3,500 communities in the UK have seized the opportunity to do something wonderful with phone boxes. Email [email protected] or view our website.”