Grant signals go-ahead for Churnet Valley rail project

Grant funding from the Moorlands Partnership Board has helped give the green light to a project to return an historic signal box to its original location at Cheddleton station.

The signal box at the Basford Bridge Lane level crossing on the Churnet Valley Railway, which runs from Kingsley and Froghall to Ipstones, was demolished by British Rail in the 1960s. The box that is now at the station is an original North Staffordshire Railway signal box that was recovered from Elton Crossing near Sandbach.

When it was brought to the Moorlands it was located at the south end of the site - some distance from the level crossing.

Now volunteers at the railway have led the £30,000 project to return the box to its original home thanks, in part, to a grant of £8,000 from the Board.

Councillor Christina Jebb, Chair of the Moorlands Partnership Board, said: "Steam trains and heritage railways are always popular attractions and we're proud that the Moorlands is home to the Churnet Valley Railway.

"Restoring old railways and the infrastructure that supports them costs a significant amount of money, so the Board is delighted to be able to help the local volunteers and enthusiasts who do such a great job, with this grant to help meet the costs of this re-location project."

A new brick base has been constructed at the side of the level crossing and the signal box was then moved by crane along with all the working mechanical elements.

Greg Wilson, General Manager at Churnet Valley Railway, said: "We are delighted to see the signal box return to its original position opposite Cheddleton station. The fact that so many people say it looks like it's always been there and finished off that area of the site, is clearly testimony to the original builders of the line."

The Board, which meets three times a year, offers grant aid towards heritage projects that seek to repair, restore or enhance historic buildings and places.

There's more information about the heritage grants on our website.

Published on 25 November 2024