Walkers could be put in danger due to the closure of “lifeline” telephone boxes, it has been claimed.
BT plans to axe 1,500 phone boxes across Scotland, including more than 80 in Perth and Kinross.
Those affected are now being urged to voice objections to the plans in a bid to save the service, which can be vital in areas with no mobile phone reception.
The campaign is being led by Councillor Mike Williamson and MP Pete Wishart.
Mr Williamson said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to make Perth and Kinross Council aware of their concerns regarding the possible removal of these lifeline services.
“There are many located in the Highland ward which I represent, where mobile phone signal can be patchy or non-existent and I have real concerns about them being taken away.
“I also have concerns about kiosks being removed in areas where there are high numbers of hillwalkers who could rely on them in an emergency situation.
“One of the ones proposed for closure in Glen Lyon and another at Rannoch Station – places where there is no mobile reception. There it can be a life saving service – people coming off the hills have no reception and if there is an accident people have to go to the telephone box rather than use a mobile.”
Mr Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire said while BT had the final say over which boxes were taken out of service, the council is able to express concerns on behalf of locals.
He said: “Whilst I understand that Perth and Kinross Council are able to recommend to BT which phone boxes are spared, they can only do this after consulting with members of the public. It is important that if you have concerns about specific phone box removals, that you make the council aware of them.
“Many of these services are in very rural communities and whilst phone box usage is sometimes not high, they can be essential in an emergency situation. That is why I hope as many people as possible will make their views known.
“The closing date for this is Monday November 21.”
Members of the public can submit their views to Perth and Kinross Council by emailing developmentmanagement@pkc.gov.uk.
