Local campaigner, Justine McGuinness has found out that at least 33 public phone boxes across West Dorset are in danger of being axed by BT. Local residents have only got 10 days left to voice any concerns about losing their village pay phone. BT Payphones are currently consulting on the closure of phone boxes in villages such as Nettlecombe, near Bridport.

BT will not guarantee that the boxes at the neighbouring villages of Powerstock and West Milton will not be axed as well. Liberal Democrat County Councillor, Gil Streets and West Dorset campaigner, Justine McGuinness, are very concerned about the potential loss of these vital rural services.

Justine McGuinness commented: “Following the loss of the Post Office and shop in Nettlecombe, the loss of phone-boxes would be a disaster. This is the one service the village still has. People with mobile phones probably think they do not need a pay phone, but I have tried several different mobiles in the Nettlecombe area - none of them get a signal. I think BT should at least guarantee that one of the three villages retains a phone box.”

Cllr Gil Streets added “I know that most mobile phones do not get a signal in Nettlecombe. So public phone-boxes are important for residents and for the many visitors who come to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Powerstock.”

Justine McGuinness commented: “Local residents and people concerned about the closure of any of the phone boxes on the ‘condemned’ list have only got until 25 May to voice their concerns to BT.”

Anyone concerned about the closure of phone boxes should write to BT Pay Phones saying why you think that the public phone box should not be removed. Write to BT Payphones, PP 06A21, Delta Point, Wellesley Road, CROYDON CR9 2YZ, quoting the number of the phone box, or email: btp.authorisation.team@bt.com, by 25 May. The number for the Nettlecombe phone box is 01308 485 258.

Matthew Taylor MP speaks out in Bridport Leading Liberal Democrat, Matthew Taylor MP will speak to an audience of local business people and Bridport residents, tonight at the Bridport Town Hall.

He will talk about the importance of cutting red tape, creating business opportunities and supporting local businesses, particularly in rural communities.

Matthew Taylor MP will join Justine McGuinness tonight in calling on the Government not to go ahead with plans to charge for school transport.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner, Justine McGuinness, will warn that school transport services in rural West Dorset are under threat by Government plans to abolish free school buses.

The Government plans to remove free travel for children who travel more than three miles to school (two miles for those under eight). Ms McGuinness is asking people to sign her petition at www.west-dorset-libdems.org.uk/saveourbuses.

Justine McGuinness commented: “I am delighted that Matthew Taylor is coming to Bridport tonight. This Government seems determined to hit all things rural. Matthew will talk about the Liberal Democrats’s vision for a vibrant rural economy.”

On behalf of Justine McGuinness the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for West Dorset Invitation to Matthew Taylor visit May 13th.

Mathew Taylor MP for Truro - Cornwall will be addressing members of the Bridport Business community and surrounding areas at Bridport Town Hall this Thursday. The talk will start at 7pm till 8pm; there will be an opportunity to talk to Mr Taylor after his presentation.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Louise Taylor on 01305 261054.

Axe the Tax - petition handed into Number 10 West Dorset campaigner, Justine McGuinness joined Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy MP and Local Government Spokesman Edward Davey MP in Westminster to call on the Prime Minster to scrap the Council Tax.

Charles Kennedy MP said:

“Only the Liberal Democrats are campaigning to scrap council tax, and only the Liberal Democrats have a positive alternative. Many people on low and modest incomes would see a tax cut under our plans, which are based on best practice in America and Europe.

“With the Government concluding their review of council finance just after these local elections, people have a real chance to influence that policy and send a clear message to the Government that they want the end of the unfair council tax.”

Justine McGuinness added:

“Whoever I talk to in West Dorset and where-ever I go there is one thing that always comes up - when is the Council Tax going to go! This tax is unfair and needs to change.”