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'Phone throne' to give Devon village mobile signal
Last updated at 19:52pm on 14.05.07It should be the perfect spot to sit down and escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
But if you're looking for a little tranquillity in the village of East Prawle then steer clear of the bench on the green.
For hovering above the seat is the only mobile phone signal for miles around.
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On the bench: the only way East Prawle residents can currently get a mobile phone signal
It means that the once-peaceful spot is frequently filled with the sound of chatter - and queues reminiscent of an old-fashioned telephone box - as villagers take turns to climb on to the bench to make a call.
Now the parish council has been forced to take action after an elderly resident complained that the bench was no longer being used for its original purpose - and was often covered in muddy footprints.
Councillors in the South Devon village have voted to move the bench to the other side of the green and put a special phone podium in its place.
The £100, 2ft-high concrete block, complete with steps, will be installed at the precise spot where callers can get coverage.
David Hampden Smith, chairman of Chivelstone Parish Council, explained: "We have never been able to get a signal in the village.
"Now one has been found, we have decided to put a podium there because the bench is getting ruined with everyone clambering on to it.
"£100 is a lot of money for a small community council but it seems that everyone wanted it.
"Lots of people are using the park bench to make important phone calls."
East Prawle, population 200, has two pubs and a small shop and its remote coastal location makes it popular with tourists.
It is believed the bench's unique quality was discovered by a holidaymaker who spread the information around nearby campsites.
The phone signal can be found only by standing on the bench and facing west.
Richard Cordy, 65, a retired shop owner in the village, said: "It is a bit embarrassing for people to have to climb on to a park bench but it's the only way.
"The residents here have been waiting ten years for a phone signal and visitors are always grumbling about it."
"There was even a small queue of people wanting to use their phone at the weekend. It is all a bit mad really."
Reader views (4)
What would they have done 20 years ago when there was no mobile phone service...I think we have all become far too dependant on them. I remember leaving for work the one day and realising I had left my phone at home. I turned the car around and went home to fetch it "in case" someone called...sad I know.
- Roger, Redhill
I would give nearly anything to be in their situation rather than having a phone mast 20 meters from my front door, about which I was given no choice. It seems they were given such a choice. Could I suggest they put a couple of phone boxes next to the bench and call the situation fixed?
- Simon Densley, London
Bliss, I wish I lived in an area with no mobile phone signals!
- Mike, Sussex
Erm I take it BT doesn't cable that far out?
- Jay, London
