AFTER the disappearance of many phone boxes on the Isle of Wight, one could be preserved in a new site.
Plans have been submitted by BT to put a phone box on the south side of Ryde Esplanade, in the same site as one removed in 2018.
Planning documents, submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, say the relocation has been requested by Island Roads.
It comes as work progresses on the Ryde Interchange scheme which will see a new road layout installed in front of the pier and Ryde Bus Station remodelled.
- Read more: Ryde Interchange works to start next month
There is no space now for the phone box which stands opposite the Tourist Information Centre, on the edge of the bus station.
The telephone box could now be moved to the opposite side of the Esplanade, in front of businesses like Hong Kong Express and King Lud, where one previously stood.
BT say, in planning documents submitted to the council, its standard kiosk design will not be detrimental to the retailers or occupiers nearby and will complement local surroundings.
- View the plans HERE.
- Comments can be submitted until July 22.
Under the interchange improvements, the footpath in front of those buildings could potentially be expanded after it was decided to move the taxi rank back in front of the rose garden, on the opposite side of the road.
The council said moving the rank would allow parking to be reinstated or the pavement to be widened, providing alfresco dining opportunities for the businesses in that row.
Island Roads has said the re-installation of the telephone box would not impact on highway safety as the existing footway would be wide enough.
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