The mobile phone may be king to some, but that isn't stopping one Oswestry phonebox from being used daily.

According to new figures from BT, the communications booth on Willow Street is used on average 33 times a month.

And it's because of this Shropshire Council is calling on its protection as BT looks to make another round of closures.

The unitary authority has said it has "concerns" over the high call usage should it be closed as part of the ongoing closure consultation.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, place, tourism and transport, said: “The council is issuing what is very much an interim view at this stage, as we absolutely appreciate that parish councils and town councils have not all had chance to get back to us as yet.

"We are very grateful to those who have done so, and to the additional information people have been able to give about mobile phone coverage at the payphone locations.

"This is not least due to our concerns with regard to the continued need for payphones in isolated locations, and indeed for people who may not have mobile phones themselves."

In total 61 phoneboxes are proposed for removal and feedback has also been requested from parish and town councils.

Other booths being reviewed include Shrewsbury Road in Cockshutt, Welsh Frankton, Chirk Bank, Weston Rhyn, Rhydycroesau, Nantmawr, Maesbury Marsh and Kinnerley. The council has called for these to remain open due to their isolated location, lack of mobile phone signal and tourism.

But Babbinswood and Copes Lane in Welshampton have been backed for closure.

Cllr Motley added: "We were particularly pleased to get a response from a Whitchurch resident, making the point that many people do not have mobile phones or might have need to use a public callbox in an emergency.

"We would welcome other views from the public as well as from local Shropshire Councillors, local policing teams, town councils and parish councils. A full list of the payphones and commentary has been published on our website, and views are now invited to reach us by 4pm on Friday, July 30, 2021.”

A final decision will be issued by August 5.