THE COST of moving a Wotton-under-Edge telephone kiosk that has been deemed hazardous by pedestrians will run into thousands but should be investigated, according to civic leaders.

Wotton Town Council has received complaints about the phone box in Bear Street and has approached BT to investigate the possibility of relocating it to a safer position.

During last week's meeting councillors heard that the cost of moving the box would be just under £7,000.

Cllr Geoff keen questioned the number of complaints that had been removed about the box.

Clerk Glenys Sykes confirmed there had been three written complaints including ones from buggy users who have to step out into the busy road to pass the phone box.

But Cllr Janet Walshe said the written complaints were just the tip of the iceberg.

"I think most of the complaints come in verbally and there is no doubt the position of the box is dangerous."

Members noted the box has been there possibly since the 1930s and that things have changed a great deal since it was first installed.

The council has investigated the possibility of re-siting the phone box in the past and suggestions for new sites include outside the former Stokes bakery in Long Street.

Mrs Sykes reported the box is listed and an important part of the town centre street scene.

Members will now approach other organisations, including Gloucestershire County and Stroud District Councils and BT to see if any funding can be found.

In a further discussion members resolved not to object to the removal of a telephone kiosk in Wortley as part of BT's review of public payphones.

The council heard how one box within the town boundary - at the war memorial - does not make a profit but is being retained by BT as part of its commitment to the payphone network.