RESIDENTS living in remote villages are set to suffer after BT increased the charge for public payphones, according to the area's MP.

Nigel Evans believes the rise in cost of a standard call from 30p to 40p could have a severe impact on villagers who still rely on British Telecom phone boxes.

He said: "For many people in the Ribble Valley, phone boxes are vital.

"There are many parts of the Ribble Valley that do not have mobile phone coverage and, in certain circumstances, a phone box may be the only way for people to get in contact with others.

"This rise will mean that it will now cost a minimum of 40p for a 20-minute conversation.

"But how many people use a payphone for 20 minutes? It will just mean that BT will be banking the difference.

"Rural phone boxes have already been hit because BT was recently allowed to close them without public consultation.

"I urge BT to reconsider its plans as they are punishing the people who need to use their phone boxes the most."

Ribble Valley Borough councillor Richard Sherras, who lives in Station Road, Rimington, said: "It's a real problem. I understand why they do it, but it hits those who can least afford it.

"I see people in Tosside and other remote areas, possibly more elderly people, who use the phone boxes because they don't have a mobile phone. They are still relying on them."

However, a spokesperson for BT said: "This is the first time we have made a change since May 2004."

Of the 63,795 pay phones in the UK, only 23,300 are actually profitable.