A classic listed red telephone box on Hereford Road is set to be transformed thanks to the initiative of Osbaston Councillor Jane Lucas, following discussions with local residents about how best to preserve and reuse the structure.

After learning that BT was decommissioning the box, Councillor Lucas stepped in to purchase it for just £1, ensuring it would remain a feature of the community. She now plans to donate it to Monmouth Town Council, where it will take on a new and vital purpose as a public defibrillator point.

The K6 red telephone box — designed in the 1930s and now listed for its historic and architectural importance — has long been a familiar landmark on Hereford Road. While mobile technology has made many phone boxes redundant, communities across Britain have found imaginative ways to give them new life. In Monmouth, that means turning a piece of heritage into a life-saving community resource.

Eight kiosk types were introduced by the General Post Office between 1926 and 1983. The K6 was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the coronation of King George V in 1935. Some 60,000 examples were installed across Britain, which is why the K6 has come to represent the red Telephone Box.

Councillor Lucas said she was inspired by residents who wanted to see the phone box preserved rather than removed:

“People in Osbaston told me they wanted to keep this lovely old box as part of our streetscape. It’s an important part of our local heritage, and it seemed a real shame to see it standing empty. Buying it from BT for £1 was a great opportunity to save it and put it to good use. Installing a defibrillator here could one day help save a life — and that’s something the whole community can be proud of.”

Local residents have already volunteered to clean, repaint, and restore the structure to its former glory. Once the refurbishment is complete, the box will be fitted with a publicly accessible defibrillator, available 24 hours a day for anyone in need.

“The response from the community has been brilliant,” added Cllr Lucas. “People are really enthusiastic about helping, whether that’s with painting, repairs, or donating materials. It’s a great example of how local heritage can bring people together for a good cause.”

Monmouth Town Council has welcomed the donation and will take over responsibility for the box once the transfer is complete. The council will also coordinate the installation of the defibrillator in partnership with local first aid and community safety groups.

More volunteers are now being sought to assist with the renovation work and ongoing maintenance.

Councillor Lucas added: “This project shows what can be achieved when the community and the council work together. We’re not just saving a piece of our history — we’re creating something that could one day save a life.”

Anyone who would like to get involved or find out more about the project can contact: Cllr Jane Lucas – [email protected]