RESTORATION WORK FOR HISTORIC SIGNAL BOX
AN HISTORIC Grade II-listed signal box has been given a new lease of life after it fell victim to water damage.
Built in December 1867, the twostorey timber building near the Valley Railway Station on Anglesey is an important part of the region’s railway history.
But recently it was discovered that this particular piece of the past was slowly being eaten away by wet rot, forcing railway staff to call in experts.
A survey by specialist damp proof company Peter Cox found that faulty guttering on the building had led to water ingress within the signal box – and a programme of essential restoration work commissioned to stop the rot.
The internal structural timber frames have now been replaced with stainless steel splice plates also added to help strengthen and maintain its structure.
All timber was also treated with fungicidal fluid to help prevent growth of wet rot fungus in future.
Throughout the restoration works the signal box was fully operational, with no disruption to the train service.
A spokesman for Peter Cox said: “Wet rot can cause significant fungal decay and given the historic and cultural significance of the Valley Station Signal Box, we were careful to ensure the character of the building was maintained.
“It’s vital that custodians of historic structures regularly inspect their buildings and call in the professionals if they spot any signs of damp, rot or fungal decay.
“Signal boxes are often small buildings and so any damage could immediately affect the structural integrity of the site.”