How city plans to keep listed phone boxes pristine

Details have been revealed about how a city's famous row of red telephone booths will be maintained in pristine condition after their £75,000 refurbishment.

Forming the longest row of phone boxes in the country, the nine kiosks on Market Street in Preston fell into disrepair after being disconnected from the network more than a decade ago.

Their Grade II-listed status – awarded because of the significance of eight boxes forming the longest continuous line of traditional call booths – meant planning permission was required for the facelift, which began in December.

Officials at Preston City Council, which acquired the phone boxes in 2021, said annual inspections and cleans will be carried out.

If any paint is found to be damaged, the affected areas will be sanded down and three new coats applied.

The booths will also be inspected for signs of swelling caused by poor weather – and will be repainted where necessary.

Council officials hope they will be used for art and audio-visual installations after the booths are restored this spring

While the first telephone boxes - which had a variety of designs - were set up in the late 1800s, the red booths became a symbol associated with the UK following their design by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1924.

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