Could this be the smallest tourist 
information site?

Market Rasen Town Council is set to adopt the town’s market place phone box and help make it a resource for visitors.

BT has revealed more than 200 of its iconic red phone boxes across the East Midlands are up for grabs, and has urged local communities to take advantage of a scheme to help transform them for the 21st century.

The iconic boxes, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, were once a lifeline of communication, but with the arrival of mobile phones they have fallen into disuse.

BT’s adopt a kiosk scheme allows public bodies to take on the boxes for just £1.

Having recently repainted the market place box, Market Rasen Town councillor Jo Pilley is heading up the adoption project.

She said: “It is important to retain this for the town and it will be used to help to promote the area.

“Its central location in the Market Place is ideal for use as a ‘mini’ information point for our visitors.

“Initially we will look at displaying contact details for local transport links, local walks and activities.

“In time, we will hopefully be able to add a mobile phone re-charging station.”

Coun Pilley, who is also on the Rasen Community Partnership group added: “This will be a first step in the development of our new Tourist Information Service, whilst we use the next few months to gather more information on which to formulate our future plans for the town.”

This isn’t the first phone box the town council has adopted. In a project led by the late Mayor John Matthews, the Willingham Road kiosk was taken on and is now used to house a defibrillator.

Coun Matthews was determined to get a defibrillator at the eastern end of the town and was delighted when it 
was achieved last autumn.

•Across the West Lindsey area there are a further four boxes which could be adopted - Stainton Le Vale, opposite School House; Thoresway; Chichester Road, Brookenby and Main Street, Osgodby.
Previously adopted boxes have been transformed into everything from defibrillator units and mini history museums to art galleries and book exchanges. BT will also consider adoption requests to house defibrillators in modern glass phone boxes. For further details on how to apply to Adopt a Kiosk, visit www.bt.com/adopt