Plans by BT to install digital screens on streets across the capital have been refused by Edinburgh City Council, despite growing calls to have dozens of smashed-up and vandalised phone boxes removed.
Planners have now refused the telecoms firm permission to remove 35 dilapidated payphones and install 17 'Street Hubs' in their place because the 75-inch LED displays would amount to an "unacceptable and unnecessary intrusion into the streetscape" and constitute "advertisement clutter".
The unsuccessful applications relate to old phone kiosks on Portobello Road, Dundas Street, Ferry Road, Bruntsfield Place, Gorgie Road and a number of other locations throughout Edinburgh.
