A BATTLE has begun to save a phone box - the only community facility left in a North Yorkshire hamlet.

The residents of Ilton-cum-Pott, high above Masham, near Ripon, are fighting to keep the phone, which British Telecom (BT) wants to remove.

The residents have even offered to clean out box and give it a much-needed coat of paint if BT withdraws its closure threat.

In a message to BT, members of the community said: "Please understand that this community is 100 per cent opposed to the removal of our payphone. We therefore insist that BT honours its pledged commitment and provide us with a payphone service."

BT wants to remove the payphone, along with thousands of others across the country, which are not often used and do not make a profit.

County councillor Paul Richardson has spoken against its removal.

"Phones like this are a lifeline, not only to people living there but to the many visitors, because mobile phone reception is either non-existent or quite poor in the area."

Harrogate Borough Council has also protested to BT, saying the phone box is regarded as a landmark within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Previously, BT has said it will listen to comments about planned disconnections.