Kevin Thompson, of Newark, outraged with signal box at Newark Castle train station.
A DETERMINED resident is hoping to save the signal box at Newark Castle Station.
The disused signal box, which used to control the station’s level crossing, has been a noticeable feature of the town since its creation in 1912, but has been disused since the crossing was automated. Newark resident Kevin Thompson said it was time to make a stand and preserve the landmark.
Mr Thompson, along with Newark In Bloom volunteers, offered to paint and maintain the signal box in 2016, but was denied the chance by owners Network Rail.
Three years on, he is hoping a larger campaign will help resurrect the signal box, which he believes is an important feature to the town.
“We sell ourselves as a historical town, but we don’t have the chance to preserve something that is from the Victorian ages,” he said.
“It is more than 100 years old and a real sad sight to see, especially if you are driving into Newark, as its the first building visible to you.”
A similar situation came to light last September in Bingham, when campaigners rallied to save an out-of-service signal box from demolition.
Planning permission for the box to be demolished was granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council in August 2018, but a petition was launched to save it, reaching more than 2,600 signatures in under a month.
A meeting between campaigners, Network Rail and Newark MP Robert Jenrick followed and the box was saved.
Mr Thompson believes contacting Mr Jenrick is the next step forward.
“I think they want it to fall into disrepair so they can demolish it,” he said of Network Rail.
“There are broken pipes around the building and one leads to electric cables — I know the cable is most likely turned off, but it can not be safe.
“We have said we are happy to fund the maintenance.”
Mr Thompson has contacted groups elsewhere who care for their local signal boxes.
“It can be done,” he said. “The proof is there.”
Network Rail failed to provide the Advertiser with a comment.
