BT to remove some of the last remaining phone boxes

BT are seeking to remove some of the last remaining phone boxes across Greenwich borough.

The list submitted for removal include:

  • 276-280 COURT ROAD, ELTHAM, SE9 4TU (this is actually Mottingham)
  • 145 KIDBROOKE PARK ROAD, KIDBROOKE, SE3 0JB
  • OUTSIDE THISTLEBROOK CARAVAN PARK, HARROW MANORWAY, ABBEY WOOD, SE2 9SQ
  • 82 PANFIELD ROAD, ABBEY WOOD, SE2 9DQ
  • 52 WOODLAND TERRACE, CHARLTON, LONDON, SE7 8EN
  • SUTCLIFFE ROAD/KING HIGHWAY, PLUMSTEAD, SE18 2BH

I think some of these have already gone? Correct me if wrong below in the comments.

Of those that remain, many are in reality adverts with phones attached to avoid planning permission along with old red boxes now listed. Even then, many are not used as telephones.

East Greenwich box

 

 

 

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I've lived in south east London most of my life growing up in Greenwich borough and working in the area for many years. The site has contributors on occasion and we cover many different topics. Living and working in the area offers an insight into what is happening locally.

9 thoughts on “BT to remove some of the last remaining phone boxes

  • Those phone boxes are little more than urinals and who would actually want to use a receiver that is never cleaned. Shudder.

    Reply
    • Absolutely anonymous201481. Although cannot feel with the loss of so many of the red phone boxes before they were listed that more of our heritage had disappeared,

      All we need now is a better and improved mobile signals as many areas still suffer from poor mobile signals despite being in 2020 and an increase in mobile usage.

      Reply
      • Why would you consider phone boxes as forming part of our heritage? Whilst I can understand a few based on their setting and role in technological innovation having a role in our cultural heritage, the vast majority are street clutter regardless of whether they are red or modern boxes their removal would have zero impact to anyones day to day sense of cultural heritage.

        Reply
  • Jack, CDT is absolutely right. The red phone boxes are considered to be part of our Heritage hence being given listed status. They are iconic just like London’s red buses and London’s black taxi’s.

    Sadly phone boxes were always subject to mindless vandalism so were due to be removed and to be fair are surprised many have lasted as long as they have in the day of mobile phones.

    I agree with anonymous201481 they now normally used as urinals or worse. .

    Reply
    • Don’t see taxis or red buses parked everywhere…

      Appreciate a large number are listed, but using listed status to protect so many red phone boxes actually is in my view is a negative thing. Far better to list a few and preserve them, than to list many for the sake of it.

      The whole concept of listing something is due to its uniqueness, “Listing marks and celebrates a building’s special architectural and historic interest, and also brings it under the consideration of the planning system, so that it can be protected for future generations.”

      “Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I
      Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; 5.8% of listed buildings are Grade II*
      Grade II buildings are of special interest; 91.7% of all listed buildings are in this class and it is the most likely grade of listing for a home owner.”

      Are approx 2,000 red boxes really in need of being preserved for their special interest?

      Reply
  • Words like culture religion heritage and tradition are just shields for allowing stuff that’s wrong outdated or useless to carry on

    Reply
  • Yes they were anonymous 201481. Many Giles Gilbert Scott telephone boxes have now gone to private collectors and are still very collectible.

    Reply

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