An iconic red telephone box that had been lovingly restored for very romantic notions just last year by its Banbridge owner will remain in place despite fears BT had earmarked it for removal.
The phone box sits outside the former home of Roy Martin’s Post Office in Lenaderg.
Situated near the Huntly Road junction with the Lurgan Road in Banbridge, lies the famous former post office premises. It’s red brick fronting, traditional red phone box and black and white hand-painted sign emblazoned with ‘H.J. Martin, Provisions, Grocers, Lenaderg’ has become a recognisable feature of the area for many generations.
The post office itself is connected to several townhouses known as Dandy Row and was first established in the 1800s as the former mill town began to expand.
>It changed hands a number of times over the years but the most recent Post Master was Roy Martin, who passed away in 2020, in his 95th year.
Following a fire that gutted the building many years ago, it sadly lay empty in a state of near dereliction… and the phone box suffered similar neglect.
Since purchasing the premises just over two years ago, full-time farmer Clifford Carswell – who now lives in Newtownards but has plans to eventually return to his hometown of Banbridge – enlisted the help of a team of tradesmen and brother, Victor to restore the building to its former glory and put it back into productive use.
As part of the works, Clifford also restored the phone box to its original glory, for no other reason than to maintain the area’s history and all at his own expense.
In fact, it was the phone box that sealed the deal when it came to buying the property.
The traditional red telephone kiosk, next to a listed grocery store and post office in Lenaderg, was in poor condition prior to refurbishment. Credit: Google
Speaking to Armagh I back in March 2025, Clifford explained his romantic notion: “I was about 19 years old and going to New Zealand but I remember Bob Geldof and a lot of other musicians were doing a concert for Live Aid in Wembley in July.
“But I was getting ready to head off and I had left a local girl to the phone box in the middle of that night. She went her way and I went mine and we never saw each other ever since.
“When I saw the whole place was for sale I contacted the agent and I said, ‘Does the phone box come for sale with the property’, she confirmed that it did and I said, ‘Well I would have no interest in the place unless it has the phone box’”.
On March 24, Clifford’s daughter Alayne posted some upsetting news on social media that she and her family had been informed by a BT employee that the sentimental property was earmarked for removal.
She said: “In the grand scheme of things it’s not a big deal, but they’ve looked the other way and left it alone for so many years, why remove it now? The phone line hasn’t been in operation for quite some time, but with the buildings remaining staying true to their history, we would like to preserve the whole package with the phone box.”
They appealed for help and that help was not long forthcoming.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart flew to their aid and delightedly made the announcement that the phone box is safe to stay for may years to come.
Ms Lockhart had previously intervened in 2019 to have the kiosk formally listed due to its architectural and historic significance, ensuring its protection as part of the area’s local heritage.
During renovation works in 2025
Speaking on the issue Carla Lockhart MP said: “Many residents have been in touch with me regarding the future of the Lenaderg phone box, and I wanted to provide a clear and accurate update.
“When BT previously proposed removing the kiosk, I worked to have it formally listed because of its importance to our local heritage. That listing has ensured the structure itself is protected.
“I can confirm that the kiosk will not be removed and will remain in place as a listed structure. This is welcome news for the community.”
BT has confirmed that while the telephone mechanism is to be removed following a consultation process in 2025, the kiosk itself will remain and continue to be maintained, with the power supply staying in place.
Ms Lockhart added that she has raised concerns about the removal of the phone mechanism and the potential impact on future use and accessibility.
“While I welcome confirmation that the kiosk itself is protected, I have challenged the decision to remove the mechanism, particularly in relation to future use and accessibility.
“I will continue to engage with BT and relevant authorities to ensure this important local asset is preserved and that its future use is properly considered.”
Ms Lockhart said she will keep residents updated on any further developments.
Speaking to Armagh I, Clifford said he was pleased with the outcome and would now love to push for a defibrillator, if the community were willing to get behind it!
