The motion was agreed at Belfast City Council’s Standards and Business Committee this week and will now be sent to the  Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for further consideration.

Cllr Bower has said: “I warmly welcome the decision at the Standards and Business Committee to send my motion seeking the adoption and refurbishment of old and disused phone boxes to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for further consideration. 

“This is a positive step forward for communities across Belfast who are interested in retaining these structures for community use.

“For too long, we have seen an increasing number of disused and derelict phone boxes across our city become magnets for anti-social behaviour and littering. Instead of allowing these structures to be removed or remain in poor states, we should be viewing them as a unique opportunity for urban regeneration and community empowerment.

“I look forward to working constructively with my colleagues at Belfast City Council to progress this initiative. With the right support and guidance hopefully we can empower local groups to take ownership of their local spaces and turn phone boxes into brilliant community assets.”