SAFETY fears have been raised after dozens of wires became exposed from a broken street cabinet – located just 100 metres from a school.

The telephone box, positioned on Weyhill Road, near Portway Junior School, became uncovered last Thursday after the cabinet’s metal door fell off.

Sam Craxford, who lives nearby, says the issue happens “two or three” times a year and has become a “hazard” for children.

The 83-year-old said: “I don’t know what the wires are but surely having them exposed like that is dangerous?

“There is a school up the road and children walking by.

“I’m very concerned if one of the children started sticking their hands in there.

“I don’t know if there is any danger but I’m certainly not sticking my fingers in there to find out.”

Mr Craxford, a retired army colonel, says the issue started about four years ago when the cabinet’s door became damaged.

The grandfather-of-four has contacted the police each time the door has fallen off.

The cabinet is then taped up a few days later.

However, when the grandfather-of-four contacted the police last week, he was informed that the box belongs to Virgin Media.

He said: “I don’t know who tapes it up but it should have been permanently fixed a long time ago.

“The tape is just exposed to the elements and snaps and the door just falls off again.

“The lip of the door is broken so it doesn’t fit into the cabinet properly.

“I would have thought it would be easier to just fix the door rather than keep having to tape it up.”

The Advertiser contacted Virgin Media, who confirmed it is aware of the problem.

The telecommunications company say the box has since been secured. It added that the box poses no danger to the public, even when exposed.

A Virgin Media spokesperson said: “We apologise to local residents who are concerned about our Weyhill Road cabinet.

“Please be reassured that this equipment poses no danger to the public, whether it’s open or closed.

“However, in light of local concern we will shortly be replacing the equipment with a high security cabinet so that the door remains closed at all times.”