Media centre

Tuesday 7 Dec 2004

SIGNALLERS RETURN TO REFURBISHED APPLEBY AND ELSHAM SIGNAL BOXES

Region & Route:

Signallers are returning to the newly refurbished Grade II listed Appleby and Elsham signal boxes near Scunthorpe following an18-month, £250,000 refurbishment programme.   Signalling upgrade work, which took place on the Scunthorpe to Wrawby railway line in 2003, meant that the existing gate wheels and lever frames in the signal boxes became redundant.  Network Rail applied for listed building consent to remove the equipment and at the same time refurbish the signal boxes. In August 2004 Network Rail began the refurbishment programme which included:

• Repairs to the structural timber frame, cladding and flooring
• Insulation
• Roofing repairs including rainwater drainage
• Installation of double glazed windows specially made to replicate the period style
• Complete redecoration of the boxes in the original period paint colours
• Complete rewiring and installation of new lighting and heating

  Graham Botham, Acting Route Director, Network Rail said: “The refurbishment of Appleby and Elsham has retained the character of the signal boxes while providing a 21st century working environment for our signalling teams.  “I would also like to thank the Railway Heritage Trust for their £85,000 contribution to the project.” As part of the conditions for listed building consent the gate wheels have been retained for appearance in the signal boxes and the lever frames have been given to National Railway Supply Company.