TELECOMS operator BT is facing protests over plans to axe hundreds of loss-making public phones, some in remote rural areas.

BT Payphones has announced that it wants to disconnect 664 of its 4,121 public phones in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

The company blames the huge growth in mobile phones and wide use of private landlines for the move.

It says it will still operate 552 loss-making kiosks and will consider representations during the six-week consultation with councils.

But it has been accused of putting profits before service, and there are fears some isolated areas could be left without the means to raise the alarm in an emergency.

John Shuttleworth, Independent Durham county councillor for Rookhope, in Weardale, will oppose the removal of payphones at Inkerman Road, by the A68, near Tow Law, and at Ruffside, near the Derwent Reservoir.

"The A68 is the main road to Scotland. If you have an accident or break down in the middle of the night, and don't have a mobile phone, then you are in trouble," he said.

"The one at Ruffside is on a road quite well used by people going to Derwent Reservoir. You can't get a mobile signal there.

"I would accept that not many people use these payphones, but they should be left there for emergencies.''

In Durham City, where people are already fighting the proposed closure of two post offices, eight kiosks could be lost.

Gilesgate councillor Peter Thompson said: "I am concerned about the erosion of what we regard as important public services that certain people in our society are dependent on.

"With increasing regularity, decisions seem to be taken on a commercial basis without consideration of other issues."

Roberta Blackman-Woods, the city's prospective parliamentary Labour candidate, said: "BT needs to be careful to consult with the public to ensure that adequate coverage of payphones exists to deal with emergencies.

"Older people especially do not have mobile phones. Decisions should not be made on cost-cutting grounds alone.''

BT Payphones director Paul Hendron said the company remained committed to the service, particularly for communities where the need was greatest. "We will manage the changes sensitively through extensive consultation with local representatives," he said.

Notices have gone up in kiosks that could be removed.

*www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/btpayphones.html