Old phone boxes may be replaced by digital hubs

BT said the five phone boxes in Worcester were "outdated"

A number of phone boxes in Worcester could be replaced with digital display boards offering free wi-fi and USB charging, under plans by BT.

The telecommunications firm said two payphones on Broad Street, two in Corn Market and one in The Shambles, were "outdated and worn-down".

Now it wants to replace them with two "street hubs" - one in The Shambles and one outside the Premier Inn in New Road, near the entrance to the cricket ground.

However, highways officers have raised concerns over the New Road hub, saying it would block part of the footpath. A decision on BT's two planning applications will be considered by the city council at a later date.

In its applications, BT said the three-metre tall street hubs featured "a fully accessible tablet interface and digital HD display screens on two sides".

They also offer free wi-fi and free phone calls, and are capable of housing air quality and traffic sensors.

Two phone boxes on Broad Street would be replaced, under the plans

The firm said they would be monitored around the clock, inspected weekly and cleaned at least every fortnight.

It added they would be funded by advertising, and the HD displays could also feature council and community content.

BT said the removal of the phone boxes would "assist in the decluttering of footpaths in the wider area and enhance the broader area's visual amenity".

'Sleek looks'

City councillor Adam Scott said of The Shambles plan: "I welcome this proposal as a new public facility for the city centre.

"Its sleek looks and modern telecoms facilities will be an asset. The Shambles is an appropriate location and this will be in keeping with the street and adjacent buildings."

However, highways officers said the New Road plans would "result in a tangible reduction in the usable footway space", affecting both cyclists and pedestrians.

They added the highway safety implications were "unacceptable".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.