AN old telephone box in Checkendon has been painted gold to mark the achievements of the British Olympians.

Parish councillor Tim Corbishley used three tins of paint to transform the call box from its traditional red colour.

Checkendon Parish Council bought the box from BT for £1 a year ago and Cllr Corbishley had the task of restoring it.

“I thought that it would be a good idea to give it a lick of gold paint,” he said.

“I was hoping to do it subtly and secretly but it took longer than I thought.


“The worst bit was the holly hedge behind as it made painting the top a bit painful.

“I tried using a spray can but it didn’t cover very well. The paint I used will last between five and 10 years.

“It probably needs another coat but it looks good already. People have stopped and have been very complimentary.”

The council gave Cllr Corbishley permission to repaint the box and will now consult residents to see if they want it kept that way.

He said: “It is still red inside and I will reglaze it. I have ordered the restoration kit so it can go back to red.”

Cllr Corbishley, who was born in the village and is married with two grown-up sons, added: “If I had done this at any other time than the Olympics it would be seen as criminal damage.”

The box, which has been in Uxmore Road for 40 years, was taken off the BT network due to lack of use. Only four calls were made in its last year of service. The handset has been removed.

Published 20/08/12