SOUTHEND residents are well on their way to reaching the target to keep their red phone box.

A campaign began earlier this year to raise £5,000 to renovate a damaged phone box, in Alexandra Road, Southend.

Laura Khan, 42, who is chairman of the Clifftown Conservation Social Society and spearheading the campaign, said she was very happy that £1,200 has been raised.

She said: “I’m really pleased with what we’ve raised so far. We’ve secured the two key things that we needed to do first and we have around £400 left in the bank.

“I would like to have half of the target by Christmas so im hopeful that we will be able to raise £1,000 at the carol concert.”

The iconic phonebox is “wrecked” with graffiti and vandalism, but the funds so far have secured the restorer and removal.

Expert restorer Carl Burge from Remember When specialises in red telephone box renovation, he will be restoring the phone box next October – giving Laura and her team ten months to raise the remaining £3,800.

Laura is currently waiting for the council to remove the electrical supply to the phonebox before it can be removed.

Since the campaign began Laura has received a number of negative comments regarding her intentions.

She said: “I completely understand the negative feedback, why would you bother when it’s going to be destroyed again in no time but you can’t give up.

“You’ve got to hope that people might see what’s been done and respect it more.”

“There are so many older people that have told me how significant it was to them growing up. That was the only way they could contact one another. It’s poignant which is why we are saving it.”

Laura is hoping to continue with the art theme following on from Southend artist John Bulley’s Ziggy Stardust painting that decorated the box before it was trashed.

She added: “I’ve been in touch with Focal Point Gallery to suggest they use it as an art installation after the work is complete. They seemed keen, it’s just down to formalities now.”

The community seem to be throwing themselves into the campaign with local shops offering prizes for the next fundraiser.

Grateful Heads and Novo hairdressers have donated a cut and blow dry, Laura’s mother in law donated a £50 Marks and Spencers voucher and The Mews have also donated a £50 voucher. San Fairie Ann and Gleneagles Guesthouse will provide afternoon tea for two and La Petite Petanque have donated a £20 voucher.

The Christmas concert ‘Carols in the Square’ will be held in Prittlewell Square on December 17 from 5pm.