A NUMBER of towns and villages in north east Fife face losing their public telephone boxes as part of a cull by BT.

It is to remove 10 payphones in St Andrews, Cupar, St Monans, Auchtermuchty and Leuchars and is considering removing a further 17, many in rural areas. Most are traditional red call boxes.

The 10 which will definitely go are being removed as part of a thinning out process and, as they are located within 400 metres of another box, BT does not need to consult the local authority.

The additional 17 face the axe because of low use and, as there is not another kiosk nearby, Fife Council is being consulted.

Among these are phone boxes at Foodieash, Craigrothie, New Gilston, Blebo Craigs, Balmullo, Letham, Brunton, Bal-merino, Cupar Muir, Kilmany, Guardbridge, Kingskettle, Tayport and Gateside.

Further call boxes under threat are in St Monans, Cupar and Auchtermuchty.

Grant Robertson, chairman of Ceres and district community council, which serves Craigrothie, said it would be a pity if Ceres Road in Craigrothie was left without its red box.

“It’s in close proximity to the village hall so it’s handy for all ages.

Senior councillor Andrew Arbuckle, who is chairman of the north east Fife area committee, said that while the need for public payphones was diminishing the old-style boxes might be missed. “I will be going round the community councils asking for their views.”

A spokesman for BT said, “Almost 60% of our payphones are unprofitable, with almost 6000 phones making less than one call a month.”

In Fife, she said, 213 of the 345 public payphones were unprofitable.