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News & Media > Community Investment

14:01:2010

Historic signal box moves to new home

May Gurney has helped a group of railway enthusiasts to move an historic Edwardian signal box to a new home where it will be restored to its former glory.

The signal box, built nearly 100 years ago, will become the new home of Bognor Regis Model Railway Club.

The first phase of Barnham Signal Box’s new life was negotiating the 1.8 miles from Barnham Station to its new home at Aldingbourne Playing Fields.

Before the journey May Gurney had to ensure a clear passage by cutting back trees and making sure there were no other obstacles en route. May Gurney also organised the required road closure and traffic management, provided wooden shuttering to protect the signal box windows and fenced off the building when it arrived at its new home.

On Sunday 6 December a large mobile crane carefully lifted the timber signal box from the middle platform on Barnham Station. The low loader travelled slowly along the route before being gently lower its fragile cargo onto new foundations.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail's route director for Sussex, said: "It’s important to get the right balance between using the latest technology to run an efficient and reliable train service and preserving Britain’s rich railway history.

“We're pleased this historic signal box, a genuine railway legacy, can continue to play an important role in the community.”

Footnote: A May Gurney team-building event is being planned for summer 2010 to create a new footpath leading to the signal box.