As reported in The Ham & High (May 7) BelSoc has objected to BT’s plan to replace a redundant phone box on Haverstock Hill (at the junction with Glenloch Rd outside Nisa). If you wish to add your voice you can add an objection until 24th May here
We object to being bombarded by moving adverts in our local shopping street. This is not Piccadilly Circus and we think it an inappropriate intrusion into our lives.
It is also a visual distraction at a potentially hazardous road junction and crossing, creating a risk for pedestrians, especially for children.
And by providing a wi-fi hot-spot and charging unit it will encourage mobile phone use in an area known for phone snatches. Similar hubs elsewhere have been a focus for crime such as drug dealing and phone thefts, a point recognised by BT in their accompanying ‘Antisocial Behaviour Management Plan’ and by several police forces.
We cannot think what value this piece of equipment brings to our area, merely adding street clutter, visual ‘noise’ and an obstruction to the pavement. The benefits cited of adding ‘information’ such as weather, council notices or other news feeds hardly seem to add value – there are plenty of other sources of news we can choose to use (including a dispenser of free Camden New Journals a few yards away!). There are other local free wi-fi hot-spots in cafés and the tube station just across the road.
There are other good points other residents have raised, which be seen on the Camden planning portal
