TWO telephone boxes that have been removed from the pavement outside Market Walk will be replaced by a BT Street Hub, if advertising consent is granted.

BT has installed more than 950 of the devices across the UK, which it says are “reinventing phone boxes for the digital age” and can be used to help the police and other blue light services by displaying awareness messaging during emergencies.

The hubs have two screens that automatically dim at night and offer free phone calls and public and encrypted Wi-Fi.

Where the Street Hub could be installedWhere the Street Hub could be installed (Image: Newsquest) They can also house sensors that count pedestrian and vehicle movements and monitor air, sound and light – information that is given to councils for free.

Councils benefit from 876 hours of free advertising per year, local businesses are offered discounted rates and a community noticeboard promotes events and activities.

The phone boxes, pictured in June 2018The phone boxes, pictured in June 2018 (Image: Google Street View) Planning documents say: “Investment in the high street is at an all-time low, but that has not slowed BT down as they look to ramp up their rollout of new Street Hubs.

“Street Hubs will help future-proof the high street, making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

“In the event of an emergency or major event, regular content can be replaced with urgent, useful messaging alerting the public to major incidents and offering advice.”

You can comment on BT's application (reference PL/2024/10592) for consent to display an advertisement on the Wiltshire Council planning portal until December 19.