CHAGFORD’S defunct red telephone box could soon help save lives rather than connect calls, after consent was granted for it to house a defibrillator.

Dartmoor National Park Authority has approved plans submitted by Chagford Parish Council to convert the redundant BT K6 telephone kiosk in The Square into a publicly accessible defibrillator.

The Grade II listed kiosk was adopted by the parish council after it was decommissioned by BT. Following consultation with parishioners, the council decided to give the historic structure a new purpose, while preserving its place in the town centre.

Councillor Stuart Wright told the Mid -Devon Advertiser: ‘We acquired it from BT when they decommissioned it in September 2025.

‘After consulting with parishioners, it was decided to use it to house a defibrillator.

‘The benefit of having one in the kiosk in the square was to service emergencies within the centre of town’.

The installation will provide 24-hour public access to a defibrillator, which can prove critical when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

The approved plans include replacing the existing ‘Telephone’ signage with ‘Defibrillator’ signage, installing a new internal light, repainting the kiosk inside and out in its original approved redcurrant colour.

Basic wooden shelving will also be installed to hold local information leaflets.

Chagford Parish Council’s application stated that the changes would have a negligible impact on the kiosk’s historic significance; no alterations are proposed to its cast-iron framework, roof, footprint or overall form and appearance.

The council will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of both the kiosk and defibrillator.

The K6 telephone box was designed by renowned artist Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 to mark the Silver Jubilee of King George V.

The distinctive red kiosk has since become an enduring feature of the British landscape.

With its original telephone equipment removed, the Chagford box no longer serves its original purpose. The approved conversion aims to preserve the historic landmark, while securing its future as a community asset.