The local community insists that the traditional phone box is an “essential” resource, arguing it serves those who opt not to use mobile phones or are unable to utilise modern technology due to ‘electro-hypersensitivity’, a condition causing headaches, stress and fatigue from exposure to such devices.
However, the villagers claim they’ve been instructed to make 52 calls annually to keep the phone box, a task made impossible as it is broken.
Local resident Tanja Rebel questioned: “How are we supposed to be able to make the 52 calls a year necessary to keep the phone box if the phone doesn’t even work?
“Copper analogue landlines and phone boxes in every village are essential for safety as they work during power cuts and other emergencies.
“They are also a necessary Lifeline for those who choose not to use mobile phones or cannot use wireless gadgets due to electrohypersensitivity (EHS).
“The phone box – when it works – only takes cards. It urgently needs its coin function reinstated, for secure access,” she said.On April 8, residents gathered around the historic booth on Church Street in Combe Martin. They were joined by two representatives from North Devon Voluntary Services who concurred that rural communities like theirs require functioning copper landlines and phone boxes.
Kim Wotten voiced her concern, stating: “I live in a small village, on the other side of Exmoor, and our phone box was taken away without the community realising. It’s an essential resource in a power cut.”
The sentiment was echoed by others who attended the meeting, all expressing the need for a functioning telephone in Combe Martin, as well as across the nation.
Despite being registered and approved for trading, locals have raised concerns about the poor condition of the phone box, calling for immediate refurbishment.
The North Devon Residents Association said: “This phone box urgently needs to be activated again and it needs some tender love and care!
“Copper analogue needs to remain an integral part of the society and it needs to be maintained for future generations.”
A BT spokesperson said the listed payphone in Coombe Martin is not scheduled for removal, and there has been no consultation or notification to North Devon Council regarding its removal.
They added that there are ”currently no plans to replace this payphone in the area”.
