Work has begun in anticipation for a new signal box at Irlam Train Station, the ‘living museum’ that evokes a 1920’s train station.
The box, which was built in 1884 and is listed, will come from near Keighley Railway Station in Bradford.
Network Rail intends moving the structure to Irlam, where it will be turned into a “museum of signalling”.
Plans for the box to be dismantled and rebuilt were approved in December last year.
A planning spokesman said “The removal of the signal box will take it from its original historic location and, indeed, out of Bradford Council’s administrative area.
“However, the agent presents strong arguments that this has to be weighed against the opportunity to secure beneficial re-use of the redundant structure in a working railway environment.”
But whilst some Irlam residents are happy that a piece of history is being added to community, some are not happy that it will be taking up vital carparking spaces, putting people off using public transport altogether.
One resident commented: “The parking at the top of the road is so bad, that at times, emergency services haven’t been able to pass through as people park side by side!”
Another added “It will mean more blocked roads around the neighbouring Cromwell Road.”
More information about Irlam Train Station can be found here.
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