‘Phone cabinets are spreading like Triffids’ - BT units too big for conservation areas, says Cllr Chris Knight

Published: 27 January 2011
by CONRAD LANDIN

BIG, green phone cabinets are spreading across Camden’s streets like something out of The Day of The Triffids, irked councillors say.

The units being laid by British Telecom to improve broadband internet services have appeared in Belsize Park, Hampstead and Kentish Town. 

Tory councillor Chris Knight, who represents Hampstead Town, said the new boxes were too big for streets in conservation areas.

He said: “It’s not just BT either – there are six cabinets here in the space of a few dozen metres. 

“It’s time the lot of them were taken to task on respecting the residents of the areas in which they are working. 

“It’s curious how technology is getting smaller and smaller – and the boxes are getting bigger.”

Lib Dem Councillor Paul Braithwaite warned: “It’s like the spread of the Triffids. They are very big – like something out of the film 2001.” 

Labour’s environment chief Councillor Sue Vincent said the council was watching out for “inappropriate” locations. 

She added: “We are having meetings with BT to press home concerns about sites and designs.”