The phone boxes under threat are located on Hayfield Road and Mellor Road in New Mills, with a third located in Rowarth.

Councillors claim factors about the local area have not been taken into consideration and highlighted the fact that the Rowarth phone box was in an area where it was difficult to get a mobile phone signal.

"It would be a disaster if that goes," said Cllr Ray Atkins.

If the phone box was removed from Rowarth, councillors said there was no alternative in the local area and it could be a safety matter if residents needed to make contact in an emergency, for example.

Cllr Glynn Jennings said: "The one at Hayfield Road is close to two housing estates. A lot of people there can't afford mobile phones or have only got 999 if they are lucky.

"They are the type of people we should be looking out for - not just elderly and the disabled but those that can't afford to run a phone."

The members agreed unanimously to strongly oppose the proposals to scrap the three phone boxes in their area.

In the letter from BT, the firm stated that 60 per cent of the public payphones did not cover their costs and that most homes have a phone and 90 per cent have a mobile phone.

Across the High Peak, 37 phone boxes are under threat

* The closure of post offices in Birch Vale and Strines will only add further to queues at the town's main post office, councillors in New Mills have claimed.

Cllr Glynn Jennings said numerous post offices had been closed over the years.

"We are now left with one in the centre and it is horrendous to get in," he stressed.

"If you are in a rush you have no chance as it is queue after queue.

"I can't see how the Post Office can turn round and say they will close others in outlying areas. It is nothing short of pathetic."

The council is to object to the proposals.