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Friday 7 May 2004

HOLYWELL SIGNAL BOX REFURBISHED

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Network Rail has just completed an eight-week refurbishment project to completely renovate the inside and outside of Holywell signal box in Flintshire.  The grade 11 listed structure had begun to look untidy and tired and was in need of a face-lift to bring it up to date and in line with Network Rail standards. The company’s contractors, Serco Rail Property, carried out all the work, which totalled almost £45,000.  Structural repairs were made to the signal box’s brickwork and the insulation in the walls was also replaced. The top level of the building was fully opened up with a stairway and door, allowing access from the outside for the first time. The rotting wood around the window frames was renewed and new sliding sash frames, which matched the existing design, were installed and had double-glazing. New blinds have also been fitted to all windows and doors. The brickwork on the signal box has been sand blasted to restore the structure’s original colour, and the existing mortar was raked out and re-pointed. Where necessary, some sections of the brickwork were removed and re-built. - more - Holywell-2 The existing plastic guttering has been replaced with cast iron guttering and a new toilet block was built to match the existing construction. Inside the building, new kitchen facilities and heaters have been installed. The signal box has also been re-wired and fully decorated. Keith Lumley, spokesman for Network Rail, said: “Signallers play an obvious and vital role in maintaining a safe and reliable rail network. By funding this type of project, Network Rail is demonstrating its commitment to rail safety and frontline staff by providing the best amenities and facilities it can, so that signallers can carry out their role.”