RED public telephone boxes are an endangered species and Shropshire Council is to decide on the future of any that remain in Ludlow and south Shropshire.

Shropshire Council is set to announce its provisional view on whether to object or consent to the removal of telephony from the 214 public payphones across Shropshire which BT has proposed for removal.

Initial feedback from the public consultation has seen 20 town or parish councils express an interest in adopting their kiosk which will lead to removal of the telephony.

However, this will ensure retention of the kiosk itself as a local landmark and for possible other uses like hosting defibrillators.

Of the 214 payphones, there are 66 where no response has been received to date. The council will make its final decisions about all 214 at the end of January.