Hopes are high of saving Barnham signal box

The wooden structure at the western end of platform two of the village's railway station has guided the movements of trains in and around the junction since 1911.

It is due to be taken out of service this weekendand train operations transferred to a new control centre nearby.

This forms a major part of a 22m scheme to update the railway in the area with 21st-century infrastructure.

Rail network operator Network Rail is set to board up the old signal box once it is taken out of use. It is due to be removed next March.

But enthusiasts are working hard to ensure it survives as a symbol of the 20th-century railway for the area. Talks are ongoing between Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre, Save Barnham Signal Box Campaign and Network Road about the possibility of moving the signal box to the centre.

It is expected those discussions will finish positively for the signal box's future later this month.

Local man Andy Ayling said: "I think the signal box will be saved. We have come this far and we are not going to sit back and see it destroyed.

"People are very sad to see the signal box go. They want to see it saved."

His petition to save the signal box has reached more than 2,200 signatures so far. More names are still being added to show the depth of feeling about the issue.

It was in July 1911 that the signal box was opened in the last major rail investment scheme around Barnham. Its arrival coincided with the installation of a double railway line to Bognor because the original single track was unable to cope with the demand.

The signal box has since been seen by the thousands of rail passengers who pass through Barnham each day. It is believed to be the last remaining Edwardian example of its kind.

An attempt earlier this year to have it listed as a building of historic significance was rejected by English Heritage.

But those who want the signal box to survive have agreed a new use for it.

They want to see it become the home of the Bognor Model Railway Club, which meets at the sports centre and can already boast a full model layout of Barnham station.

The centre's trustees have expressed an interest in their site at Oliver's Meadow '“ about a mile and a half from the station '“ being used as the signal box's new location.

Network Rail has indicated it is happy to dismantle rather than demolish the signal box. The continuing discussions are aimed at clarifying any extra costs that might be incurred by dismantling rather than destruction. It is hoped this will be minimal

Once this has been agreed, the campaigners have outlined a two-phase approach to the future.

This involves taking apart the signal box and moving it to the sport centre's land. An appeal might be launched for any funds required.

This will be followed by putting it back together again and turning it into the club's base.

Thanks to the work of local MP Nick Herbert, National Rail Heritage has confirmed it will pay 60 per cent of the costs of resurrecting the box if members of the surrounding community meet the rest of the expense.

This contribution can take the form of labour and materials.

Offers of help for the project should be given to Mike Burton by email at woodgate37@ btinternet.com or 07795 237167.

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