BT screws up kiosk repair

OPEN DOORS . . Michael Fancy at the doorless Heights box

Oldham’s history champion has gone to war with BT over its landmark red telephone boxes.

The row was sparked after a battered kiosk at Heights above Delph was to have its door replaced after a six month wait.

BT arrived at the tiny hamlet with the new door only to discover they had not brought the right screws.

And now they say they are not planning to replace another red telephone box which was damaged in a road accident at Scouthead.

Councillor Mike Buckley, chairman of Saddleworth Civic Trust, has campaigned for some of the iconic kiosks to be retained in Saddleworth villages.

And, with the approval of the Saddleworth and Lees Action Committee, two boxes at Dobcross and Delph will be maintained in a joint venture between the committee and BT.

But today he said: “BT’s attitude to the plight of the box at Heights in lamentable.

“The box is Grade II-listed and a real piece of history that adds an historic touch to this lovely hamlet.”

Michael Fancy, landlord of the 18th century Royal Oak, just a few yards from the box, said: “When I saw the workmen arrive with a big truck and the door I thought the long wait to see the box restored was over.

“They unloaded the door, carried it over to the box — then said they had got the wrong screws to fit it.

“So they carted it off again in the truck!

“I have complained to BT for months about the missing door. It makes the box look neglected and forlorn.

“They promised the job would be done ages ago. I can’t believe the delay.”

Meanwhile, the site of a former kiosk near The Star Inn at Scouthead could remain bare after BT announced they are seeking permission not to renew it.

Workmen removed the remains of the box after a car ploughed into it at the A62 Huddersfield Road at the junction with Doctor Lane.

“This is totally unacceptable,” said Councillor Buckley. “The box stands on a key road junction and is a very useful additional public phone in a rather remote area.

“I will certainly oppose any plan not to replace it.”

A BT spokesman said: “The kiosk at Scouthead was not well used.

“We have written to the council opening up a 90-day consultation, which is due to end on May 12, inviting feedback to our proposals.”

The spokesman said about the heights kiosk: “We are still waiting for some fixtures to enable us to complete the fitting of the new door. It’s anticipated the repair will be completed week commencing March 30. We apologise for the unforeseeable delay.”