22 emergency phones set to be removed from beaches in North Norfolk
The devices were installed at 22 locations, from Mortson to Horsey, for people to contact the emergency services
Emergency phones along the Norfolk coast, which have been in place for more than three decades, look set to be scrapped as part of BT’s phasing out of analogue technology.
The devices were installed by North Norfolk District at 22 locations, from Mortson to Horsey, for people to contact the emergency services.
But for almost 15 years the facility has gone unused and in 2025 BT is due to shut down analogue signals, meaning the phones would be useless.
The council looks set to end the service, arguing that most people now have mobile phones which they would be able to use in an emergency.
A report to NNDC’s cabinet, which recommends scrapping the phones, said: “Unfortunately, BT has been unable to say one way or another whether an alternative option will be available following the change.
“The cost of keeping these phones operational is over £30,000 per year.
“The necessity of providing these phones has now vastly reduced and an opportunity to consider their future now exists.
“In recent years parts for these aged phones have become very difficult to source meaning that phones have been out of action for a number of weeks, and are now having to be replaced with parts not suitable for their purpose.”
Tim Adams, leader of NNDC, said the authority was unlikely to have stopped the service so soon if BT were not going fully digital but stressed no concerns have been raised by the RNLI and Coastguard.
“It would need new infrastructure for something that hasn’t been used for about 15 years,” he said.
“We were concerned that we might be letting go of a vital provision but it just isn’t being used and mobile phones have filled the gap.”
NNDC cabinet will meet today (Monday 6th November) to discuss scrapping the phones.