In 2008, BT announced the disconnection of over 700 red phone boxes around East Anglia. Several councils ‘adopted’ the boxes to turn them into something wonderful for the community. Here are just some of the uses in Suffolk.
1. The traditional medieval village of Lavenham embraced modern technology and transformed their unused phone box into a WiFi hotspot.
2. Great Glemham parish council purchased the phone box in Chapel Lane to use as a mini library. It has also been used for exhibitions, a flower show and a poetry festival.
3. West Row saw a life saving opportunity by transforming a kiosk into a defibrillator centre. Hewstead, Southwold and Burstall also installed defibrillators.
4. Inspired by Mellis Common, Mellis parish council transformed their phone box into a very unique colour-therapy room by replacing its windows with stained glass.
5. The Teapot Project has purchased the phone box on Stoke Bridge, Ipswich, and is transforming it into a ‘kind box’ to provide items such as books and blankets for the public and members of the homeless community.
6. The phone box in Prickwillow near Ely is transformed into a new floral display every month by the community, from Valentines day to Christmas displays.
7. A pre-school in Soham uses their phone box as an exhibition to show off the children’s creative artwork throughout the year.
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