Signal box can’t be saved

Victorian signal box: shunted into history

HOPES of saving a Victorian signal box have been dashed after it was found to contain asbestos.

The building at the Beal Lane level crossing, Shaw, is being removed as part of the work to convert the Oldham loop line for Metrolink.

Rail buffs had hoped to move it to the preservation East Lancashire Railway (ELR) which runs from Heywood and Bury to Rawtenstall, but was scuppered by a survey which discovered asbestos.

However its levers, power switches and other equipment will be used to replace components on the ELR. The name plate from the footbridge at Shaw and Crompton has also been saved for posterity.

Councillor Keith Whitmore, chairman of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority, said: “We are delighted ELR has been able to save some of the internal workings which will be put to good use on the historical railway line.

“Unfortunately it was not possible to save the signal box itself but I am sure the building, which has been captured in many wonderful photographs and pictures over the years, will live long in the memories of local people.”

ELR general manager Andy Coward added: “Opportunities such as this are extremely rare. The equipment we salvaged will be used to support the operation of the ELR now and into the future.”