CHESTER BID have called for BT to remove run-down phone boxes which it says are a "blight" on the high street.

One of the offending phone boxes, which is located outside the Primark store on Foregate Street, was highlighted in a post on X (Twitter) by Chester BID with its door missing and displaying its battered plastic panels and grimy interior.

Chester BID say that a request had been submitted to BT in the summer asking for the box to be removed, but that this had been "refused".

Chester BID wrote: "Hi BT UK. We asked for this to be removed in the summer and you refused.

"We've reported on multiple occasions. It now looks a disgrace and is ruining our high street.

"Please can this blight on our beautiful city be removed ASAP. You have a second phone 20 yards away."

Carl Critchlow, CEO of Chester BID, has expanded on the issue.

He said: "We've expressed our frustration via X regarding the deteriorating state of the phone box near Primark/McDonald’s to BT as a last resort. Earlier this year, we approached BT about removing rundown phone boxes in the city centre, and while they agreed to remove three, the rest remain in disrepair. We don't wish for all the phone boxes to be removed as we are aware people do use them, we have requested for those in the worst condition to be removed.

"BT mentioned plans for installing new equipment, but no timelines were provided. Unfortunately, conditions have worsened, with one box now lacking a door and being misused. Our priority is ensuring that our city looks and feels like a safe and inviting place to be and these have blighted our street scene for long enough. We've received a response from BT and are eagerly awaiting further information to address this urgent matter."

The Standard has approached BT for comment.