Plans for new hi-tech phoneboxes

A telecoms firm wants to install six new hi-tech payphone kiosks in Blackburn and Darwen.

They will include a digital advertising display, information touchscreens and allow for debit and credit card and contactless payments.

London-based New World Payphones has applied to Blackburn with Darwen Council for planning permission and advertising consent for the new ‘Network of Communication Kiosks’ across the borough.

The six proposed sites are:
* 9A Market St, Darwen;
*157 to159 Bolton Rd, Blackburn;
* bus station (Stand 1), Ewood Park, Blackburn;
* Cobden Court, The Mall, Blackburn;
* 4 Market Street Lane, Blackburn; and
* 67 King Street, Blackburn.

A supporting statement submitted with the applications says: “Public call boxes can provide a safety net for people without access to a landline or working mobile phone.

“In areas with poor mobile coverage, a public call box can be the only option for making calls, including to the emergency services.

“Telephone kiosks continue to provide a necessary public service..

“For people without a mobile, or for those in areas with poor mobile coverage, these can be a lifeline for making
calls to friends and family, helpline services and accessing emergency services.

“At the same time, the services people need from public call boxes are changing.

“NWP plans to reflect these changes, upgrading and adapting the communication kiosk to allow a base level coverage provision across urban areas fit for the 21st century.

“The traditional kiosk is in need of updating to reflect the modern society we live in.

“NWP recognise legacy kiosks have historic problems including lack of access for wheelchair users, problems with calling cards, and often attract anti-social behaviour.

“NWP have chosen a new modern design, reflecting the instantly recognisable telephone kiosk heritage, ensuring it provides open access for all.

“The kiosks will now be a multi-communication hub for the future.

“The kiosk will also offer the additional benefit of touchscreen information to assist users with wayfinding / mapping information.

“The telephone itself will allow for debit and credit card and contactless payments.

“As part of legacy kiosks across the United Kingdom, traditionally, vinyl advertising has adorned one side of the kiosk glazing. “The new kiosk design will integrate a digital screen to the reverse of the structure, smartening its image.

“Every two weeks the kiosks are washed and maintained, at no cost to the council.

“As a key element an interactive touchscreen is included.

“The interactive LCD screen will display useful information, including wayfinding maps with relevant points of interest,
emergency numbers and a user’s guide.”