Phone boxes might seem like a thing of the past, but plans have been revealed to install seven futuristic touch-screen versions in a town centre.

Bosses at New World Payphones, which is behind the proposals for Folkestone, say they “continue to provide a necessary public service”.

But one local councillor has already questioned whether anyone is going to use them - while a resident opposed to the bid says they are “ugly, obstructive and unnecessary”.

BT announced in May 2017 that it would be removing 20,000 of its 40,000 stock of public telephones across the UK because about a third were used less than once a day.

But New World Payphones says its “multi-communication hubs for the future” can “provide a safety net for people without access to a landline or working mobile phone”.

The company has submitted seven separate applications for each of the boxes, two of which would be in Guildhall Street, with one each in Sandgate Road, Shellons Street, West Terrace, Cheriton High Street and Middelburg Square.

Each would have a digital advertisement display on one side.

The phone operators say in documents: “In areas with poor mobile coverage, a public call box can be the only option for making calls, including to the emergency services.

“Telephone kiosks continue to provide a necessary public service.

“The traditional kiosk is in need of updating to reflect the modern society that we live in.

“We have chosen a new modern design, reflecting the instantly recognisable telephone kiosk heritage, ensuring it provides open access for all.”

It adds that traditional payphones can attract vandalism or anti-social behaviour and can be inaccessible to wheelchair users.

The boxes would be black and built in the trademark British style but with three sides and no door.

New World Payphones adds: “It is an 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.”

The company says it will have an interactive touchscreen displaying maps with relevant points of interest, emergency numbers and a user guide.

But district councillor Tim Prater (Lib Dem) thinks hardly anyone will use them.

He told KentOnline: “I would suggest the number of people without any mobile phone, but with the ability to get to a phone box - and where necessary pay for a call using cash or contactless - would be pretty close to zero.

“I simply can’t see the business case. I don’t see how new boxes would pay for their maintenance day to day, let alone the cost of installing them, or presumably paying ground rent to the owners of the land.”

However, Cllr Prater, who is leader of the liberal democrats at Folkestone and Hythe District Council, says he is not against the idea.

“I’m old enough to remember using payphones, but I haven’t in the last 20 years - like almost everyone else,” he added.

Some people have raised concerns about the LED-lighted adverts on the boxes.

Jane Sherrad-Smith has objected to the plans, calling the boxes “primarily ugly, obstructive and unnecessary advertisement hoardings”.

Writing on the council’s planning portal, she says: “They would result in a cluttered streetscape in these important footway areas resulting in visual harm to the character and appearance of the site and street scene.

“Designed to be distracting and stimulating, these installations have no regard to those with conditions such as autism, epilepsy or mental health conditions who may be overly stimulated by the rapidly changing LED displays.

“70% of disabilities are invisible and common aspects include light or noise sensitivity and susceptibility to over-stimulation, and attacks are common when the environment itself poses a form of psychological distress.”

In 2019, Westminster Council stopped New World Payphones from erecting two of the structures on Marylebone Road.

It argued they would be “street clutter” and visually harmful.

Concluding its proposals, New World Payphones commented: “The provision of accessible telecommunications is incredibly important for all, but especially the most vulnerable, especially in urban areas where access to services can be limited.”

A decision on the application by Folkestone and Hythe District Council is expected by mid-October.