Agenda item

Executive Summary

Emergency phones are in place at 22 locations along the North Norfolk coast from Morston to Horsey. Providing emergency telephones on beaches is not a statutory requirement, however North Norfolk’s have remained in place for over 30 years. Usage data shows not a single emergency telephone anywhere along the coast has been used for a documented emergency for many years.

BT have announced their move to digital by 2025 raising uncertainty about the future viability of the emergency phones. Unfortunately BT have been unable to say one way or another whether an alternative option will be available following the change.

The cost of keeping these phones operational is over £30k per year. The necessity of providing these phones has now vastly reduced and an opportunity to consider their future now exists.

Options considered

Option 1: Do nothing and keep the phones in operation. This option will be affected by the move to digital but we are not sure exactly how at this stage as BT are unable to confirm if there will be an alternative option following the change.

Option 2: Remove all emergency phones from the districts coastline.

Option 3: Remove only the emergency phones where mobile phone signal is known to be adequate, leaving those where signal is particularly poor. This option will be affected by the move to digital but we are not sure exactly how at this stage as BT are unable to confirm if there will be an alternative option following the change.

Consultation(s)

Discussions have been held internally within the Leisure Team and the IT department.

Externally discussions have been held with the RNLI and Coastguard, who showed no concern about the proposal and indicated that they are reviewing their own processes as a result of BT’s digital move.

Recommendations

The Council takes the decision to remove all Emergency Phones in the district.

Reasons for recommendations

1.1           It is proposed that the necessity for Emergency Phones is no longer as important as it once was. Their lack of use and the imminent move by BT to go digital mean that we believe the requirement for these phones no longer exists.

1.2           BT are unable to provide assurances that an alternative to analogue lines will be available to keep the emergency phones operational post digitilisation. However they have given assurances that mobile phone signal is being targeted for improvement throughout the district.

1.3           The Council could make a financial saving of over £30k per annum by removing this service.

1.4           It is not deemed that removal would cause significant community safety issues. Partners such as the RNLI have been consulted and raised no concerns either.

Background papers

NA

Wards affected

Coastal, Sheringham South, Beeston Regis and The Runtons, Cromer Town, Suffield Park, Poppyland, Mundesley, Bacton, Happisburgh, Hickling.

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr. Liz Withington

Cllr. Harry Blathwayt

Contact Officer

Colin Brown, Leisure & Locality Services Manager, 01263516001

Links to key documents:

Corporate Plan:         

NA

Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)                                

This could generate a saving to the Council of £30k+

Council Policies & Strategies

NA

Corporate Governance:

Is this a key decision 

 Yes

Has the public interest test been applied

Yes

Details of any previous decision(s) on this matter

None