OBJECTIONS have been raised after plans were unveiled to remove five pay phones in Barnoldswick.

Town councillors want to save at least two of the public phones and have recommended that one of them - a traditional red phone box on Walmsgate - is listed for added protection.

BT Payphones is currently conducting a review of public phones throughout the country.

Revenue from pay phones has dropped by 41 per cent, due to the fact that 99 per cent of UK homes now have their own phone, while 85 per cent of people have a mobile.

In a letter to Barnoldswick Town Council, project liaison officer for BT Payphones, Rick Thompson, said: "The decline in the use of payphones does mean overall provision in Barnoldswick exceeds customer needs and as a result we plan to remove five pay phones in your area."

But at a meeting of Barnoldswick Town Council's development, tourism and environment committee, members said some of the phones should stay.

Coun Margaret Bell said: "I understand why they are doing it, but I still think there is a need for a certain number of phones in the area."

She added that the phone on Coates Avenue - one of those earmarked for removal - was still needed.

"It is isolated - it is out of town," said Coun Bell. "I know whenever I walk past there is someone in that phone box.

"If we are going to do away with it we would be doing a dis-service to the residents of Coates Estate.

Coun David Whipp said objections should also be made against the removal of a traditional red phone box on Walsmgate.

He said in the past the council had tried to get it listed as an attractive phone box, but had been unsuccessful.

However, he said members should try again.

"I propose we do object to the one on Walmsgate," said Coun Whipp.

"Separately we should inquire about listing that phone box to give it added protection.

The other phoneboxes earmarked for removal in Barnoldswick are on Essex Street, the junction of Valley Road and Long Ing Lane, and adjacent to the post office on Station Road.