A TELEPONE box which acts as a magnet for vandalism should be removed by the phone company, says a district councillor.

Coun Stephen Clee has called upon phone company BT to remove the partially wooden kiosk in Bewdley after glass panels were broken and the structure was set alight.

"This particular box acts as a magnet to the children causing the damage," said Coun Clee.

"I have held various discussions with the phone company and they advised me that if the users or immediate residents do not object to this removal then they will look favourably on my request."

The kiosk at the corner of Yew Tree and Richmond Road, Bewdley, has been the site of a string of incidents, including eight bogus 999 calls.

Coun Clee said he had recently held a successful meeting with PC Nigel Barter to try to tackle the kiosk vandalism along with other problems it the area.

Policing

He said he had also approached Wyre Forest Community Housing to see if they could assist in the policing of the area.

"The youths that are frequenting the area are not only causing visible vandalism, but they have left cans and syringes on the pavement following their previous nights' activities," he said.

"Again we see a few spoiling it for the many. BT have said they will remove the kiosk if there is not a public outcry."