AN errant phone box in Halesowen which has been a magnet for vandals is finally being removed.

Residents have complained for years about the state of the phone box on the junction of Lloyds and Ridgewood Roads citing graffiti, broken equipment and anti-social behaviour.

Halesowen North councillor Karen Shakespeare took up the fight on behalf of the fed up residents.

She said: "Residents had given up now and contacted me in despair in the hope that I could get it removed.

"There is no handset again and the inside was in a disgusting state, including some form of mould growing in the windows.

"I think residents just gave up reporting it and now it is being used for a toilet and other antisocial activities."

She added: "I contacted BT and they have finally agreed to remove it and the associated problems.

"A letter has gone to Dudley Council Development Control department requesting permission to remove it and a notice posted in the phone box."

Jonathan Elliott, local campaigner, added: "There are lots of areas where action against antisocial behaviour is needed in our area. shakesshakes

"This may be a small victory for the area but a massive weight lifted off residents living near by."