The antiques phone show
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 12 February 2009
A weather-BEATEN red telephone box at one of Saddleworth’s most famous moorland sites, is to get a new lease of life.
And other iconic boxes, a throwback to the 1930s, have been granted a reprieve and will be maintained by funds from the local area action committee.
The kiosk at Heights, high above Delph, is part of a famous hamlet which hosts an ancient church and pub used as a backdrop for films and TV productions.
Michael Fancy, landlord of the 18th century Royal Oak, and locals were convinced the box, which had fallen into disrepair, would be made redundant by BT.
Mr Fancy reported damage to the box door nearly six months ago. It was removed and the kiosk has remained open to the elements since.
“It looks a real sight,” said Mr Fancy. “It’s a shame because everyone who comes here thinks it’s part of the rural setting.
“I have asked BT to replace the door — but I never thought it would happen. The box has been wide open to all the snow, rain and wind.
“ I even suggested that BT send me a pot of red paint — I would give it a fresh coat myself.”
Now BT has replaced the broken glass and promised to refit the door.
Despite the Saddleworth and Lees Area Committee saving some of them, Councillor Mike Buckley, Oldham’s history champion, hit out the poor state of repair of boxes sited across Saddleworth.
He said: “I understand that demand for public call boxes is not what it was now everybody has a mobile phone.
“I am sure BT regards them as a burden in terms of maintenance. But they are part of our heritage and contribute to the character of the district.
“BT has an obligation to maintain those that are listed. I am angry they are allowing so many to fall into disrepair.”
At its December meeting, the area committee decided to take part in a BT scheme to sponsor two telephone boxes destined for removal.
A contribution would be made to their maintenance costs for a year and BT would keep them in good condition and working order.
The two reprieved kiosks are near a bridge at Ladcastle Road, Dobcross, and Friarmere Road, Delph, near bungalows.
Councillor Buckley added: “The kiosks’ classical design blends well with the Saddleworth village settings. It is important that they are kept in good condition and don’t become an eyesore and target for vandals”.
The committee will now investigate the status of boxes outside The Clarence at Greenfield and Sam Road Diggle.
David Makin, chairman of Saddleworth Civic Trust, welcomed the moves. He said: “It’s inexcusable to let the box at Heights deteriorate.”
He added: “I am glad the kiosk at The Clarence is to be investigated. The box can be a lifeline if there are accidents or emergencies in the area.
“Not everyone has a mobile phone.”
A BT spokesman said they had been waiting for supplies for the Heights kiosk and will do the job as soon as possible.
The classic red telephone boxes were launched in 1935, designed by leading architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, and were commissioned to celebrate the silver jubilee of King George V.
