A historic railway signal box in Staffordshire has been re-installed along the Churnet Valley Railway, thanks to grant funding from the Moorlands Partnership Board.
The original signal box at the Basford Bridge Lane level crossing, in Cheddleton, was demolished by British Rail in the 1960s.
The box that is now there is an original North Staffordshire Railway box which was recovered from the Elton Crossing near Sandbach.
When it was brought to the Staffordshire Moorlands it was located at the south end of the site – some distance away from the level crossing.
Now volunteers at the railway – which runs from Kinglsey and Froghall to Ipstones – have led a £30,000 project to return the box to the original location.
Grant funding from the Moorlands Partnership Board of £8,000 has helped the organisation achieve its goal.
Chair of the Moorlands Partnership Board, Cllr Christina Jebb said: “Steam trains and heritage railways are always popular attractions and we’re proud that the Moorlands is home to the Churnet Valley Railway.
“Restoring old railways and the infrastructure that supports them costs a significant amount of money, so the board is delighted to be able to help the local volunteers and enthusiasts who do such a great job, with this grant to help meet the costs of this re-location project.”
A new brick base was constructed at the side of the level crossing and the signal box was then moved by crane along with all the working mechanical elements.
Greg Wilson, general manager at Churnet Valley Railway, commented: “We are delighted to see the signal box return to its original position opposite Cheddleton Station.
“The fact that so many people say it looks like it’s always been there and finished off that area of the site, is clearly testimony to the original builders of the line.”
The board, which meets three times a year, offers grant aid towards heritage projects that seek to repair, restore or enhance historic buildings and places in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
There’s more information about the heritage grants here.
