One Man's Calls Save a Village's Last Phone Box

When Derek Harris saw his village's last phone box was set for removal, he decided to fight. The 89-year-old from Sharrington, Norfolk, campaigned to save the iconic red 'K6' kiosk. Telecom company BT planned to close it because it was rarely used. Rules state a phone box must make at least 52 calls per year to stay open. In 2024, it had made fewer than ten. Harris began a relentless campaign. He emailed his local politicians and BT constantly. To prove the box could be maintained, he even sent photos of BT repair vans working nearby. His effort sparked national attention. One day, supporters made over 230 calls from the kiosk to boost its usage numbers. In March, BT reversed its decision. The phone box, designed in 1935, remains in service. For Harris, the fight was about preserving something cherished by his community.