THE end of Banbury’s long-running phone box library saga is now in sight with the arrival of a new kiosk.

Next to the working telephone box in South Bar Street a new one, specially-designated for books and shelving, has been installed and painted to look like the original.

The project was the eventual product of a partnership between Banbury Town Council and British Telecom.

Council leader Kieron Mallon said: “Everybody has done their part and it’s ready to go.

“It has had proper steel shelving put in by Hawkins Steel Ltd, which matches what a 1950s phone box would look like.

“We have concreted it in and had a proper opening ceremony at the end of last week.

“This has been a big job, and we we want it to go off with a bang.”

The original phone box, in which an anonymous benefactor installed shelves and books last summer for a pop-up library, was threatened with closure when owner BT declared it unsafe.

After an outcry from residents, it was agreed that Banbury Town Council could ‘adopt’ the box and turn it into a library.

But the council was unwilling to do so as it would involve the phone, from which 1,000 calls were made last year, being decommissioned.

So instead it was agreed that a second purpose-built box for readers would be placed alongside the original.

Mr Mallon added: “BT have been helpful. The town council, BT, Hawkins and the chap who originally set it up - none of this would have happened without those four elements coming together.”

An official opening ceremony was held on Saturday.

Roy Askew, who works at nearby St James’ Church, and borrowed from the old library about three times, said: “I was disappointed when I heard the old one was closing.

“It was nice to see someone making a different use of it. And people did use it.

“The new box blends in very well. It’s all part of the scenery.

“I think it was a very good idea to have another one; it keeps everyone happy.”