Campaign to save town's 1930s phone box

A town has come together to save its 1930s phone box.

Castle Cary's red phone box was due to be removed from its position near a bus stop by the council, when resident Laura Leaver stepped in.

She is fundraising to restore the metal phone box, that dates from 1935, and hopes to turn it into a space for the community.

"She's not looking her best. It was disconnected some years ago and it's just been left open and a little forgotten and unloved," Ms Leaver said.

"The frame is now damaged, but for something that's nearly 100 years old it's in really good condition," she added.

"I call her Delilah because I think she's delightful. For me it's most important that she stays in our town.

"You can do book swaps and libraries. There's one that has been turned into a cafe.

"We are going to turn this into Somerset's smallest showcase, it will be a cheerleader of all the wonderful things that go on in our community."

Castle Cary town councillor Judy Morrison added: "We thought it was dead in the ditch but Laura came along with her exciting proposal and she got a round of applause at the council meeting.

"We had looked at alternatives, but Laura discovered that it's a particular kind of phone box.

"Anything she does I'm sure will be acceptable to the council."

A fundraiser set up by Ms Leaver has already raised £300 of its £1,250 goal.

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