Concern over payphone cuts across Sutton- Burstow

4.14.49pm GMT Fri 30th Jul 2004

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has raised serious concerns to the Chief Executive of BT over recent plans to cut the number of payphones across Sutton town centre and surrounding residential areas.

BT is planning the removal of seven payphones across the area -including three on Sutton High Street alone - because of decreasing profit margins due to the increased use of mobile phones.

Paul Burstow MP expressed concerns about impact the plans may have on safety, and misgivings about the consultation process due to the lack of information provided about the location of alternative payphones.

"Payphones provide a vital lifeline to many people in emergencies and to those who do not have mobile phones. Is it vulnerable groups who are most likely to be affected, for example the elderly who are much less likely to carry mobile phones. And plans to remove town centre telephones also raise serious concerns for the safety of young people out late at night trying to arrange transport home.

"The proposals to remove a payphone from the junction of Ewell Road and The Broadway in Cheam would represent the loss of another important amenity from this area - proper evidence must be provided that this is really a necessary action.

"The consultation process should provide clearer information about the location and number of alternative payphones, so that local people can be reassured that their there is another phone nearby when they need it most. Profit margins should not always be the number one priority, especially where safety is concerned."