Call for phone box to be moved (From Stroud News and Journal)

Call for phone box to be moved

A PHONE box next to a notorious accident black spot in Painswick should be removed or resited before somebody is killed, say residents.

This picture, above, was taken by one resident after a blue Volvo 340 ploughed into the railings around the box and overturned on Saturday evening.

Fortunately the driver, who was later arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, escaped without serious injury and was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for treatment.

Residents say the position of the phone box, where the road from Gloucester hits the one-way system at Pullens Road, creates a potentially deadly hazard.

"The cars go too fast and hit the fence surrounding the telephone box," he said.

"We didn't see the accident but we heard the tremendous bang, We always hear the bangs. It haunts you, hearing them.

"One day someone's going to be in that phone box and a car is going to plough into them.

"They have got to get rid of it or re-site it."

Terry Parker, chairman of Painswick Parish Council, said moving the phone box sounded like a good idea and said the parish council would look into it.

"To be quite truthful it is a sensible suggestion," he said.

"It is a vulnerable spot. I know there are barriers there but cars do misjudge that junction.

"If somebody were in the phone box it could be quite tricky."

Les King, spokesman for phone box operators BT, said it would probably need a wide consensus of opinion and the help of local political figures before the company would consider moving the box.

"Every kiosk is different and would be treated on its own merits," he said.

"You would need support from an elected representative locally and probably the police in this particular case. The first step is to contact us."