PLANS have been submitted to replace 14 telephone boxes in and around Bradford city centre with modern, accessible kiosks.

The new phone booths will feature modern amenities such as Wifi and be more accessible to wheelchair users.

They will maintain the classic look of telephone boxes, updated for the modern world.

If the planning application is successful, the kiosks will be installed and maintained by New World Payphones, which is owned by UK outdoor media company Clear Channel.

Other features of the kiosks include a stainless steel design, to aid in the reduction of vandalism and make maintenance easier.

The plan’s design and access statement says the kiosks will be “multi-communication hubs for the future”.

It says: “Telephony is still a key provision; it is a important lifeline for many people even with the proliferation of mobile phone use.

“Our kiosks are regularly used to report emergencies and are used by the vulnerable: 999, 111, Childline, Samaritans and Shelter are all examples of where service provision remains vital, along with the normal use of the general public.

“The kiosk will also offer the additional benefit of touchscreen information to assist users with wayfinding/mapping information.

“The telephone itself will allow for cash, debit and credit card and contactless payments.

“Wifi access will be available in kiosks, and other location-based information may be included including NFC and Bluetooth, with ability to modernise provisions with the most up to date generation technology as it progresses.”

The kiosks will also feature digital advertising screens to replace traditional vinyl adverts.

The company which manufactures the phone booths for New World Payphones, Amscreen, is owned by Lord Alan Sugar.

Applications have been for sites at the junction of Grattan Road and Westgate, opposite the Boy & Barrel pub;in Rawson Road near the Oastler Centre; in Great Horton Road near the Alhambra and opposite Bradford College; in John Street outside the Oastler Centre; in Nelson Street near Jacob’s Well car park; outside the Westgate entrance to the Kirkgate shopping centre; at 187 Great Horton Road; in Hall Ings outside the Job Centre; in Leeds Road, Thornbury, outside Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College; in Bridge Street, opposite St George’s Hall; in Broadway; in Thornton Road, outside the Provident building, and at the junction of St Thomas’ Road and Westgate.