The signal box shown in its original livery (left), and after May Gurney's refurbishment.

Good work needs 'shouting from the rooftops'

Following on from the highly praised signal box refurbishment at Attleborough, May Gurney Rail Services has once again been complimented by Network Rail after completing a similar project at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.

Steve Ashling, Network Rail's Area Signalling Manager for Ely East commented: "May Gurney's good work to refurbish the signal box at Bury Yard needs shouting from the roof tops!

"As at Attleborough, we chose to respect the age of the building by repainting it in Bamboo and Buckingham Green, the LNER/early BR colours of the 1950s.

"The finish is excellent and the appearance even better. Inside, the end result is first class and our signalling staff are very pleased. I have even had requests from some staff to transfer to Bury if a vacancy comes up - the best compliment of all!"

The project was carried out within the East Anglia Property Framework Contract that May Gurney holds for Network Rail.

The works included re-wiring; interior and exterior redecorating; installing a suspended ceiling and new lighting, heating and a heat recovery unit; laying flooring and anti-slip treads to stairs and landings; fitting a new kitchen and operations work area; various timber repairs; and removing a redundant, adjacent lineside building and toilet.

The project was delivered in November and December 2005 in partnership with subcontractor, Colts of Hull. Careful management and increased quality control overcame concerns that cold and foggy weather might affect the exterior paintwork.

The signal box was originally built for the Great Eastern Railway and opened in 1888. It has a 53-lever frame and controls the line from Kennett to Thurston, with more than 80 passenger and freight trains passing each day.