Historic Sussex railway signal box 'could be moved on back of lorry'

The ambitious plans to move the box, which is at Barnham Railway Station, have now been lodged with a council.

The building was due to be demolished by Network Rail after a £25 million upgrade of the station’s signalling and rail layout made it redundant.

But railway enthusiasts and other supporters rallied to its cause and set up a campaign to save it.

More than 2,300 people signed a petition which was collected by Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert at the station.

The wooden building is believed to date from 1911.

It was assessed by English Heritage but not granted listed protection.

The campaign set about raising money to move the building to land at the nearby Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre in Westergate on the back of a lorry.

Once re-erected, the plan is for it to be used as a base for Bognor Regis Model Railway Club and opened to visitors.

But the move and subsequent renovations will cost £32,400.

The campaign has already secured 60% of the total from the Railway Heritage Trust and thousands more from other sources but it still needs a further £9,000.

Mike Burton, one of the founders of the campaign, said: “We are confident about raising the remainder of the money.

“It is important that we save the signal box as it is the only one of its kind left now.

“Its sister box at Christchurch burnt down a few years ago and that was given heritage status.

“It is a historic piece of architecture for the area and is used for school trips on a regular basis.”

The campaign has already received support from Dudmans, Topblock, Gaugemaster, West Sussex County Council, Osbornes and the Duke of Norfolk.

If Arun District Council's planning committee approves the move, the signal box will be separated from its footings and placed on a low-loader to be taken to its new home in September.

To offer support to the campaign, call Mike Burton on 07795 237167 or email him at woodgate37@btinternet.com.