A campaign to save Helsby’s only red telephone box is gathering steam, with a local primary school embracing the cause.

BT is proposing to remove the phone box in the centre of the village on Chester Road citing a survey which reveals a lack of use.

But Helsby resident Lance Yates believes it is an important asset to the village and has enlisted the help of staff and pupils at Helsby Hillside Primary School to help spread the word that it’s under threat.

He said: “We feel that they still have a role to play because they work and they’re street furniture and there’s not a lot in Helsby that you might call interesting street furniture.

“It’s the only red phone box in the village - it’s been there for at least 70 years.

“At least people can call 999 in an emergency from it. The problem is nobody knows about the consultation.

“The children are underage but we just thought it would be an idea for them to still be able to get involved if they wanted to.”

The public notice placed inside the phone box by BT
The public notice placed inside the phone box by BT

Posters produced by the children, which have been placed in local shop windows, feature calls to ‘save our phone box’ and invariably refer to their history and value in emergency situations.

Deputy headteacher Oliver Mitchell said: “We talked about it as a staff and we thought that as a school it is important for safety that there is a phone box in the school and also for aesthetics.

“We’re getting involved to raise the profile so that people are aware the phone box might be removed.”

A petition has also been placed in Helsby Post Office for residents who wish to object to sign.

A spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) clarified that it is acting as a conduit for BT’s consultation.

To comment on BT’s proposal, write to the rural localities team at CWaC HQ, 58 Nicholas Street, Chester, CH1 2NP, or email ruralcommunities@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.