Telecoms giant BT has answered a call from Ripon Civic Society to carry out repair work on the four vandalised telephone kiosks that stand in line in the city centre.
Richard Taylor, co-chair of the heritage watchdog, raised concerns about the dangerous condition of the kiosks, which have had glass window panels deliberately smashed over a period of time.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“They were not safe to use and we are delighted to see this action being taken by BT and also look forward to the kiosks being re-painted in due course.”
Mr Taylor was in contact with BT last week to remind them the K6 Kiosks, which were given grade II listed status by English Heritage in 1987, were still awaiting repairs that he had been requested in December.
Above is how the vandalised kiosks looked in December and below how they now look after broken panels have been replaced
He said:
“It is rare to have a grouping of four telephone kiosks of this vintage – particularly in a city of Ripon’s size.”
Mr Taylor pointed out:
“They stand in close proximity to the cabmen’s shelter – another grade II listed building – and together they are part of Ripon’s heritage and are of special architectural interest.
“It would be great to eventually see the kiosks being used as something like an information hub, where local people and visitors to Ripon could find out more about the history of our ancient city.
“Ideally, one of the phones should be kept operational, as some people do not have mobiles.”
Designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V in 1935, the K6 kiosks are iconic structures still seen in many places across the UK.
Main Picture: Nick Ions and Patricia Barrie, who are members of the BT maintenance team which looks after a thousand telephone kiosks in Yorkshire, carried out the repairs.
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