Red phone boxes hanging on the line
© AFP/File Alessandro Abonizzio

LONDON (AFP) - BT has extended a deadline for local authorities to "adopt" little-used boxes in rural areas, paying for their upkeep to prevent them being removed.

Councils asked for more time to respond, so BT extended the deadline by a month to November 1.

"Even though many people don't actually use them any more we recognise that the iconic red kiosk is a focal point for communities, especially the more rural ones," said John Lumb of BT Payphones.

"Our adoption and sponsorship schemes ensure that the kiosks can remain in-situ for the enjoyment of all."

"We are delighted to extend the application deadline to November 1, 2008 so that as many as possible can remain."

Philip Davies, planning and development director of English Heritage said: "This is a welcome announcement for many people who have grown up with the classic British red phone box. We would like to see them remain too.

"They are an important symbol of national identity, and make a significant contribution to the character and appearance of many historic areas across the country."

The classic version of the red phone box is the K6, which first appeared in 1936. Of the 60,000 such phone booths on Britain's streets at the peak of their popularity, fewer than 15,000 remain.

©AFP