PLANS are underway to restore two old traditional red phone boxes in Bovey Tracey for community use.

Former councillor Avril Kerswell approached members to put forward a proposal to reuse the phone boxes outside the Distillery and at Cromwells Way which, she said, are looking 'sad and uncared for’.

Councillors voted unanimously to get behind the project and have suggested any input from residents would be very welcome.

Avril explained: ‘The one outside the Distillery has been listed by Teignbridge Council because of its close proximity to the Old Town Hall permissions may be needed.

‘Also, because of the lead paint used on these boxes, it will have to be restored carefully.

‘Many old boxes are now installed with defibrillators, which is a good thing, some have book swaps or seed swaps.’

She added that there was some decay to both structures which would need restoration.

She said: ‘These old telephone boxes were bought by the town council for the town many years ago and are now part of our history, it would be so nice to see them looking their best.’

There have already been offers to help with the refurbishment and the suggestion of a library has been out forward.

One resident said: ‘It will be fabulous to see them fully restored and saved.

‘They are such a big part of our cultural history as a nation and so few are left.’

However, there were comments that the book swap idea would not be supportive of the local library as consultation is currently underway into reducing opening hours.

Installing a life-saving defibrillator was a popular suggestion as is seen in many other locations.

And planters in and outside the phone boxes were also suggested.