Petition to shunt signal box plan into the sidings

A petition to save Bingham signal box from demolition has more than 2,500 signatures.

Permission to knock down the Chapel Lane signal box was given to Network Rail by Rushcliffe Borough Council earlier this month.

But Bingham resident Lara Fearn, who believes it should be saved, has launched an online petition.

It is being sent to Bingham Town Council, the borough council and Network Rail

The signal box, which is on the Nottingham to Grantham line, opened in 1875 and closed at the end of 2015 as part of Network Rail modernisation.

Lara said: "It is one of very few remaining historical sites in the ever-changing and growing town of Bingham.

"While the functionality of the signal box is now dormant, its building and features still tell a story.

"We appreciate the time-consuming expense and upkeep of a non-functioning signal box is a hindrance, but demolition should be the last resort."

The borough council, in giving permission for the demolition, said work should begin within three years.

In the application, Network Rail said the site would be fenced off to prevent trespass, and vegetation would be allowed to regenerate naturally.

The chairman of Bingham Heritage Trails Association, Mr Geoff Ashton, has contacted Network Rail.

He said: "Bingham Heritage Trails Association is not a campaigning organisation, but might be able to assist if anything came of the petition to have the planning permission rescinded.

"The planning proposal is to let nature take its course, in which case one might suggest Network Rail might gift the box to the people of Bingham if something useful could be done with it, where it is.

"Perhaps it could be a small heritage centre?"

Carly Keen, business support specialist for redundant assets at Network Rail, said she would be making enquiries.