Chairman's call saves village telephone box

COUNCILLOR Nicola Kirkham, Pam Bailey, clerk to Saddleworth council and Nick Watts, chairman of Uppermill Community Association, outside the phone box

A FAST-MOVING initiative has ensured an iconic red telephone box will remain outside a recently-reopened £1 million museum.

BT had planned to remove the phone kiosk from outside Saddleworth Museum off Uppermill's High Street.

A notice in the box said the kiosk would be taken away after a 42 days consultation period because "information showed it has had very little use over a significant period of time."

Objectors were advised to contact the local authority's planning department.

But Nick Watts, chair of Uppermill Community Association (UCA), contacted Oldham and parish councillor Nicola Kirkham who had helped save red telephone kiosks in Dobcross.

Councillor Kirkham said: "I said, although it wasn't my ward, as it was Saddleworth, it would be a pleasure to help.

"I contacted Pam Bailey, the parish council clerk, and set about adopting the kiosk from BT to gift to the community association."

She added: "The kiosk currently sits in council land, permission has been sought and granted from Oldham Council for the parish council to adopt it."

Nick Watts said: "Many villagers expressed concerns when BT planned to remove this small, but iconic piece of Uppermill's heritage.

"The initial response did not look promising, but I was overwhelmed that Councillor Kirkham was the single borough councillor to take an interest in helping us save this kiosk - even though it was not even officially in her ward.

"Councillor Kirkham and Pam Bailey have been amazing in helping to ensure this kiosk remains part of Uppermill for years to come.

"Hopefully, we can now raise the funds for a public access defibrillator and re-purpose this kiosk to help save lives."

Councillor Kirkham added: "It has been my pleasure to have been involved in the saving of this kiosk.

"Well done to all involved - Nick and Pam. It's a team effort."

Museum curator Peter Fox welcomed the news of the kiosk being saved, adding: "These are 1920s designs and they have become an iconic British design being very much part of our village and street landscape.

"Painted bright red to be seen, they add to the character of the area and must be saved."