Once again British Telecom has applied for the red telephone box in Stratton village to be removed. The last application was made, and refused, as recently as February this year. At this time Stratton Parish Council was informed that the application for removal was denied because of the objections raised by the council on behalf of the residents of the parish. Furthermore, SPC was informed there would not be another request to remove the telephone box in the foreseeable future.
Stratton Parish Council has again asked that the telephone box is retained, and that Dorset Council vetoes its removal. However, it must be noted that the telephone has not been used and not one call made since the last request for removal, neither had the telephone been used before the previous request.
Nonetheless, Stratton Parish Council has again asked that the telephone box is retained and has cited the following in support of the application:-
- The red telephone box is iconic and a part of the quintessential village scene.
- It is reassuring to parishioners that there is a telephone available in an emergency, mobile reception being so poor.
- Parishioners strongly wish the box to be kept.
Whether Stratton Parish Council will again be successful in preventing the telephone box being removed remains to be seen.