Councillors in Honiton get painting to restore a red phone box, which is one of only two left in the town.

Honiton councillors are far from ready to hang up on a red phone box and have started work to restore it.

Painting has commenced on the phone box, in Joslin Road, which is only one of two left in the town, last week, with councillors Les Bayliss, Sharon Pavey, John Zarczynski and resident Roger Sleeman getting work under way.

However, work to restore the phone box has been hampered by bad weather.

A council spokeswoman said: “In 2008 the town council adopted the redundant red phone box in Joslin Road under the BT scheme to local councils.

“It has considered various uses for this box but is unable to move it at the moment due to budget constraints. A group of councillors is working on refurbishing the box to bring it up to a good standard while a final decision on its future is made.”

Last year the town council issued a plea to the community to help restore it.

The cost of moving it had been previously estimated to be around �600 in 2009 which would be in addition to further costs involved in making a planning application.

Previous suggestions on ways it could be used included a community book swap.

Anyone interested in helping with restoration work or has any ideas on what it could be used for is urged to call the town council on 01404 42957.