UP PLATFORM AND SIGNAL BOX TAKE SHAPE AT CORWEN
Corwen Central’s second platform face and signal box are under construction, as the fund to infill the island platform nears its target. The western end of Platform 1 (the Up side) has been built to beyond the subway entrance and concrete footings have been laid for the middle section. The six-coach platform will require 200 concrete ‘Easi-blocs’, plus 2,500 smaller blocks and platform edging, which project spokesman George Jones says “will keep the volunteers busy for the rest of the summer.”
A gap has been left for contractors to bring in spoil from the nearby Ruthin branch embankment as infill, with around 50 tonnes already laid. It is being paid for through the £10,000 ‘Tenner for a Tonne’ appeal, which now needs to raise just £2,000. Donations can be sent to Treasurer Paul Bailey at Dolwen, Bryneglwys, Corwen LL21 9LY (cheques should be made payable to ‘CCRD’). Following the erection of the GWR-style water tower (SR481), a platform canopy is to be designed, incorporating the former Blackfriars columns.
The ‘railway’ look of the site is also to be enhanced with the construction of the former Weston Rhyn signal box at the station throat. This, explains Mr Jones, needs to be done “before the run-round loop is completed, to allow access for a lowloader.” Construction of the ’box’s locking room has commenced, along with restoration of the wooden cabin at Carrog. In a change of plan, the disabled access path from Green Lane (SR466) has been deemed “impractical” and abandoned, with a chairlift to be provided within the subway entrance instead, and an emergency exit route to the Welsh Water access road. Denbighshire County Council has granted planning permission for the temporary station building adjacent to the subway entrance, which has been re-roofed and has received a coat of chocolate and cream paint.
Following the visit by Network Rail Chairman Sir Peter Hendy (SR481), Welsh Minister for Culture, Tourism & Sport Lord Elis Thomas AM visited the site on June 18, and Andy Thomas, Network Rail’s managing director for England and Wales, on July 13.