Extended journey for Mumps canopy

Saved . . . . Andy Coward (left) and Councillor Keith Whitmore by the historic Victorian Mumps canopy which will be restored and installed at East Lancs Railway stations

An SOS appeal has saved the historic canopy from Mumps railway station.

It will now be used to provide authentic shelter at the vintage East Lancs Railway between Rawtenstall and Heywood.

The iron Victorian structure was under threat of demolition when the station closed for the conversion from heavy rail to Metrolink tram lines.

But talks with the contractors, Metrolink company Stagecoach and local transport bosses have led to the canopy being offered at a knock-down price.

Contractors M-Pact Thales have agreed to meet some of the costs of dismantling the structure and preserving a piece of Oldham’s railway history.

The wrought iron railings which led passengers up to the platform are also being retained by the railway company.

But the Save Our Station Canopy appeal will still go on, said East Lancs general manager Andy Coward.

He added: “We are delighted and extremely grateful to the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA), Stagecoach Metrolink and M-Pact Thales for all their assistance in helping us secure the canopy.

“The reduction in the cost will greatly aid us in raising the cost of purchase and transporting it back to our premises in Bury.

“We are hopeful that it won’t be too long before we can start putting it back up.”

Councillor Keith Whitmore, GMITA chairman, added: “The canopies have a lot of local significance because they are a symbol of the historic Oldham and Rochdale railway line, which will soon become a brand new Metrolink line.”

The appeal will stay open for funds to restore the canopy, which was installed in the 19th century and is a relic of the old Lancashire and Yorkshire railway.

Part of it will eventually be re-erected on platform two at the Bolton Street station in Bury and at other staffed stations run by East Lancs Railway.

The railway charity still urgently needs donations or firm offers of interest free loans to help the project.

Details of how to help on 0161-764 7790 or www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk .