A historic red telephone box in Ventnor has been officially handed over to the Ventnor Enhancement Fund (VEF), following a detailed process to secure the 1930s-era structure as a community asset.
The iconic K6-style kiosk, which is listed due to its heritage value, was scheduled for decommissioning. So, in response, the VEF launched efforts in January this year to acquire and preserve the structure for community use.
With support from the Isle of Wight Council’s planning authority, and in collaboration with the Ventnor Heritage Centre and Ventnor Exchange, the group has now taken full ownership of the kiosk and holds the keys.
Although early in the process, the VEF has indicated that the kiosk will require attention to its structure and electrical systems. Future plans are still being developed, but the group is committed to restoring the box and putting it to community use.
A spokesperson for the Ventnor Enhancement Fund has said:
“We’re just delighted to announce that we finally have ownership and a key to the door.
“The kiosk needs some TLC to bring it up to standard, but it’s a beautiful structure and we’re so pleased it’s now in local hands.”
The kiosk, located at a point where both the sea and the highest point on the Isle of Wight are visible, has previously benefited from refurbishment by BT following a community-led campaign in 2021.
Maybe VEF should rent it out to the Town Council for their meetings.
Perhaps shut the town cryer in it so we can’t here him spouting a load of crap as well as cleaning the crap too.