HISTORIC PHONE BOX SAVED FROM DILAPIDATED STATE THANKS TO COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

A historic telephone box in Ventnor has been given a makeover thanks to the work of the Ventnor Enhancement Fund.

The phone box had been in a deteriorating state for several years, but in November of 2019, a member of the Fund reported the ‘horrendous’ state of the box to BT. With assistance from the Isle of Wight Council, the Fund was able to confirm the phone box had listed status.

A full report of the condition of the box was requested by BT and photos were supplied by the Ventnor Enhancement Fund alongside a detailed list of defects, with BT then agreeing that urgent action was required.

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Due to the pandemic, restoration efforts were delayed, but the box has now received new ‘telephone’ signs alongside new glazing and paint.

Thanks have been given by the VEF to Paul McDonalds of BT and Paula Debenham at the Isle of Wight Council for their efforts.