The village's last remaining public phone box, situated outside the Mechanics' Institute on Boroughbridge Road, is set to be removed following confirmation from BT and a completed consultation through North Yorkshire Council.

Unlike the iconic red heritage boxes, this kiosk is a later-model silver and glass unit. BT reported that only one call was made from the kiosk over a 12 month period prior to February 2025 leading to the consideration that it was no longer essential. The Parish Council noted its poor condition and lack of historical significance when deciding not to adopt it.

The removal is part of a wider rationalisation plan by BT, with 18 phone boxes across the Harrogate district earmarked for possible removal. Seven — including the one in Bishop Monkton — will now be taken out completely. Under current regulations, BT must consult with the local authority if the phone box is the last within 400 metres, which in this case it was.

Councillor Dean Culshaw, Chair of the Parish Council, commented:

"We had a couple of discussions on it earlier in the year about alternative uses but the lack of heritage value, location, poor condition, exposure at the bottom of the structure and the ongoing maintenance commitment all pointed towards removal rather than retention."

Some residents had suggested repurposing the kiosk to house a defibrillator, as has been done in other villages. However, Bishop Monkton is already well served in this regard, with two community defibrillators located at the Village Hall and the Primary School.

While there may be a twinge of nostalgia at seeing the structure go, its removal reflects the growing reliance on mobile technology and the diminishing need for public payphones. The removal date has yet to be confirmed, but the box is expected to be taken out in the coming months.