Red phone boxes in Huddersfield to be saved by Kirklees Council

Nov 11 2009 By Barry Gibson

The iconic K6 or Jubilee kiosk was designed by Gilbert Scott and launched in 1936 to celebrate King George V’s silver jubilee.

In the 1960s there were nearly 70,000 across the country but that number is down to 12,500 today.

BT has no immediate plans for more cuts. However, the company believes that many red boxes do not have a long-term future as working telephones.

BT started its Adopt a Kiosk scheme to give councils the chance to preserve part of the country’s heritage.

But a company spokeswoman said yesterday that the scheme did not mean all red boxes would stop being working telephones.

She said: “Adopt a Kiosk was developed following feedback from local authorities wanting to secure the future of their red kiosks.

“While it is true that demand for public payphones is in decline, where a clear social need is proved we are more than happy to maintain low usage, unprofitable kiosks.”

The 13 red phone boxes which Kirklees is considering adopting:

Lower Cumberworth; Wakefield Road, Denby Dale; Cumberworth Road, Skelmanthorpe; Outside Hepworth Post Office; Towngate, Upperthong; Hall Ing Lane, Honley; Farwell Lane, New Mill; Oldfield, Honley; Riley Lane, Kirkburton; Near Black Bull Hotel, Penistone Road, Shepley; Junction of Wilshaw Road and Lower Greave Road, Meltham; The Slades, Helme, Meltham; Jackroyd Lane, Mirfield

The 14 red phone boxes which are also eligible for adoption:

Windmill Inn, Busker Lane, Skelmanthorpe; Stringer House Lane, Emley; Park Head, Greenfield Road, Holmfirth; Opposite Fleece Inn, Holme; Penistone Road, Shelley; Marsh Lane, Shepley; Barnsley Road, Flockton; Junction of The Knowle and Abbey Road, Shepley ;North Road, Kirkburton;

Junction of Golcar Brow Road and Slaithwaite Road, Meltham; Calder Road, Mirfield;

Dunbottle Lane, Mirfield ; Stocks Bank Road, Mirfield ; Hopton Drive, Mirfield.