AN iconic red K6 telephone box has made a return to Whorlton after a combined fundraising effort.
The new facility now houses a book exchange for residents to enjoy.
The village had its original traditional red box removed in the 1980s, and replaced with a glass kiosk in a new location.
Parish chairman George Stasny, who has lived in the village since 1973, said: “Following a complaint that the coin collectors were making too much noise at 3 o’clock in the morning, many people were dismayed to see BT had replaced the old K6 with a glass box.
“It was a clear case of BT getting their wires crossed. The village was not consulted about the swap and many of us have long felt that we wanted our red telephone box back again.”
The parish council took the lead and bought the glass box from BT, then set about raising cash for a refurbished traditional phone box.
The village hall’s community association added £600 to the campaign while county councillors George Richardson and James Rowlandson contributed £2,200.
A further £800 was raised through donations from residents and the parish council.
Last week, villagers converged on the box to add books and magazines to the exchange.
Cllr Richardson also attended the opening.
He said: “I think it is a very good idea that fits in nicely with the village and what a good use for it.
“A future idea might be to put a defibrillator in there.”
Whorlton Community Association chairman Chris Connolly added: “It is great. It is such a beautiful iconic extension that sets off the village, and in such a nice spot.”
Cllr Stastny said the next item on the agenda was to have the village noticeboard moved and replaced with another to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee. He also hopes Northern Powergrid will tidy up and paint the telegraph pole, after initially contacting them about 18 months ago, and again as recently as two weeks prior to the telephone box’s installation.
Cllr Stastny said: “It is really disappointing in a conservation area. I’ve been told it has been added to a programme of works.”
