RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has launched a campaign to save pay phones in East Lancashire from closure.

He is alarmed that British Telecom has earmarked 231 earmarked for the axe across the county, of which 102 are in the eastern half.

And the Conservative MP is urging local people to object before the consultation period finishes in July to stop the planned cull.

BT Parliamentary affairs manager Tim O'Sullivan told him there were 1,549 pay phones in boxes across Lancashire.

In East Lancashire, 21 are to go in Blackburn with Darwen, 13 in Hyndburn, 23 in the Ribble Valley, 13 in Burnley, 18 in Pendle and 14 in Rossendale.

But the proposals are subject to consultation before they are confirmed.

Mr Evans said: "If we are to save these pay phones we need to kick up a fuss.

"I am lodging a campaign, Save Our Phone Boxes.

"They are a vital local service and mustn't be taken away.

"My fear is that rural areas will suffer the worse."