Telecommunication giant BT has lost a bid to install its modern and "transformative" ‘street hubs’ across a number of sites in Watford.

BT wanted to replace telephone kiosks with digital displays in places such as High Street, outside Watford Junction, and in St Albans Road.

The hubs, which have been installed across the country, are said to offer a range of benefits including free 'ultrafast' wi-fi, USB ports to charge mobiles, a touch screen providing local information and maps, a 999 button, and the ability to call anyone in the UK for free on mobile or landline.

Watford Observer: BT Street Hub CGIBT Street Hub CGI

Read more: BT wants to install 'street hubs' to replace kiosks in Watford

However, Watford Borough Council has decided to rejected the proposals.

A council officer’s reports deemed the hubs to be visually “harmful”, “excessively dominant” and “clutterous”.

Watford Observer: Concerns were raised about installing one of the hubs where the kiosk currently is outside Watford Junction where people queue to catch a bus to Warner Bros Studios for the Harry Potter tour. Credit: Google MapsConcerns were raised about installing one of the hubs where the kiosk currently is outside Watford Junction where people queue to catch a bus to Warner Bros Studios for the Harry Potter tour. Credit: Google Maps

The council also says the hubs would cause an “obstruction” for pedestrians and cyclists, in particular near bus stops and where people queue to catch buses to Warner Bros Studios from Watford Junction.

According to the council website, five locations have been rejected with one in The Parade still pending.

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