A Grade II listed Whitley Bay phone box is to refurbished with visions of turning it into a community asset once again.
The telephone box, known as a number four kiosk (K4), outside Whitley Bay Metro Station was erected in 1928 as part of an experiment to replace post offices. The phone box acted simultaneously as a post box and stamp dispenser.
Only around 50 such telephone boxes were built and operated across the UK, many of which are now in museums after the experiment failed. The noise generated by the stamp dispenser disrupted phone calls much to the annoyance of users.
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Over the years, the experimental three-in-one facility has become worse for wear and the subject of vandalism. Now, the Whitley Bay Big Local has adopted this piece of historic street furniture and has community-focused plans for it.
Sarah Sutton, Whitley Bay Big Local's community engagement manager, said: "The plans are to refurbish it to how it would have been in 1928 and to become a museum piece involving locals. It is all about preserving not just the heritage of this site but also the whole history.
"We want people to get posting again. Lots of young people don't use postal systems anymore.
"We want to see pen pals between local schools and schools in areas with other K4s.
"We have an art project with Barnardo's, creating glass panels that could be installed in the phone box. There aren't many panes of glass in it at the moment."
The Whitley Bay Big Local is now looking to secure funding to help bring the novelty phone box back to its former glory. They are also working with the post office to keep it as a functioning postbox.
Whitley Bay councillor John O'Shea said: "I am really pleased that the Whitley Bay Big Local has secured permission to upgrade this iconic phonebox. I am very hopeful that funding can be found to do a grand job on its restoration."
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