In the picturesque village of Sharrington, Norfolk, a classic red K6 phone box has been granted a new lease on life, thanks to the determined efforts of its residents. When British Telecom (BT) announced plans to remove the phone box due to insufficient usage, the community sprang into action to preserve this vital lifeline.
The phone box, more than just a nostalgic relic, has proven indispensable in emergencies. Notably, it was used by an ambulance driver during a critical situation when mobile reception failed. Recognising its importance, villagers organised a “call-in” event on March 15th, braving the chilly morning to make enough calls to meet BT’s usage criteria. Their efforts paid off, with BT acknowledging the significant number of calls and the area’s poor mobile signal, deciding to keep the phone box operational.
Leading the charge was 89-year-old Derek Harris, a long-time Sharrington resident who shares a birth year with the K6 model—1935. Harris’s campaign highlighted the phone box’s role as a community asset, especially in a region with a high proportion of elderly residents and limited mobile coverage. His dedication underscores the deep connection between the village’s heritage and its people.
The successful campaign has been celebrated as a triumph of community spirit over corporate decision-making. Local parish council members expressed their delight, noting the phone box’s continued presence as a testament to what collective action can achieve.
“It just goes to show you that communities can achieve incredible things when we stand together to protect what matters to us,” said North Norfolk MP Steffan Aquarone. “The K6 phone box is a lifeline in this small, rural village and, when BT said they were planning to remove it, the whole of Sharrington stood up and said ‘absolutely not’.
Local resident Derek Harris expressed his pride in the community, commending everyone for uniting and taking a stand for what truly matters to them.
“It means everything to me to know that the phone box will still be here long after I’m gone.”
As Sharrington’s residents continue to cherish their iconic red phone box, their story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of unity in preserving the cherished facets of community life.
