A group of model railway enthusiasts have come together to try and save a piece of train history in Nantwich.
Network Rail have released plans to demolish the signal box on Wellington Road which serves Nantwich railway station. It has been a part of the town since it was built in the 1940s but has been the topic of debate in recent years as there have been complaints about the long waiting time for traffic at the crossing gates next to the station, Crewe Chronicle reports.
The transport organisation wants to demolish the signal box as part of a nationwide scheme which aims to centralise level crossing activation to 12 regional branches. However, one group of model railway enthusiasts want to put a stop to this course of action which is expected to be carried out on or around April 16th.
Members of the Nantwich Miniature Railway Group believe that the signal box is an integral piece of the town's history and have hatched a plan to save it. Rather than have to demolished the group wants to relocate the signal box to its premises behind the town's methodist church. It will be the second railway item the society has saved after a signal post.
Speaking to the news provider, trustee Eddie George said: "We held a meeting last week and we have a plan to move it to our little railway. We agreed that it would be feasible. We've applied to the town council for support and we’re talking to Network Rail to determine the cost of moving it."
Nantwich and nearby Crewe both have a rich heritage when it comes to railways. The latter was home to a large engineering works which was first created in 1946 and was an integral piece in the development of the UK's passenger train service up until it was closed in 2002.