Dunstable Town Council celebrates restoration of iconic red phone box on Church Street.

On Wednesday, October 1, at 5.30 p.m., Dunstable Town Council officially opened the freshly restored red phone box on Church Street.

The Town Mayor, Councillor Sally Kimondo, hosted the ceremony, which recognised a successful community cooperation that transformed a local landmark into a life-saving institution.

Councillor Liz Jones and previous Councillor Lisa Bird encouraged the Town Council to buy the last red phone box in Dunstable from British Telecom for only £1.

As a listed structure, the iconic phone box has been tastefully repaired by a skilled conservator and used as a public defibrillator.

The Council collaborated with Sarah Pyatt and the charity SADS UK (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome) to install the defibrillator.

Sarah acquired the cash and donated the equipment in remembrance of her son Jake, who died tragically at the age of sixteen from SADS.

Further community support came from Councillor Liz Jones, who secured sponsorship from local businesses to provide two attractive planters that now sit on either side of the phone box, enhancing the surrounding area.

Town Mayor Councillor Sally Kimondo said: “This project truly reflects the spirit of Dunstable, a town that cares deeply about its heritage, its people, and its community partnerships.

By restoring this iconic red phone box, we’ve not only preserved a piece of local history but also created something that could save lives.

I want to thank everyone involved, from Sarah Pyatt and SADS UK to our councillors, local businesses, and residents for their dedication and generosity.”

The renovation has preserved an essential part of Dunstable’s history, improved the area’s look, and, most importantly, provided a critical lifesaving resource to the community.

 

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