MP Ensures Single Phone Book Restored

2.34.49pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 20th Jul 2004

Gordon Liberal Democrat MP, Malcolm Bruce, has welcomed BT's move to bring the rural North East and Aberdeen back together in a single phone book.

Ten years ago, the whole of the North East was covered by one phone book. When the books were first split into 'North East' and 'Aberdeen, Orkney and Shetland', Mr Bruce objected that this was contrary to logic and an inconvenience for customers.

Mr Bruce responded:

"It was completely impractical to separate Aberdeen City from the rural areas surrounding it, and the boundaries were not even logical. A single phone book is essential for most businesses trading within North East Scotland and for many personal callers".

At the time of the split, BT offered assurances that phone books would be provided for neighbouring areas free of charge. However, they subsequently proceeded to charge £10 for a copy of a second directory. Earlier this year, representations from Mr Bruce ensured that the phone book of an adjacent area was delivered to customers free of charge on request.

Mr Bruce commented:

"I was concerned that this was an abuse of the service that BT is supposed to provide".

"Some months ago, I asked BT to consider reinstating the issue of a free neighbouring directory when the new editions were published and in the longer term to combine the North East directories into one again".

"I am pleased that BT has taken my representations into account on both counts and, in particular, that they have reintroduced the new single North East directory at the earliest possible opportunity. This will have significant implications for all those living and operating in the North East".