Churnet Valley Railway is set to modernise ‘oldest’ signalbox

MODERN technology is to be integrated into Grade II-listed Leek Brook Junction signalbox as it is repaired and upgraded to handle the Churnet Valley Railway's planned extension into the town.

Built between 1867 and 1872, it is the oldest surviving North Staffordshire Railway signalbox.

The ‘box is an unusual example of a design by McKenzie & Holland prior to that railway's standardisation in 1875.

Despite its neglected state, it remains largely intact and retains its McKenzie & Holland lever frame of 1903.

The heritage line has announced that the work on the 'box will be carried out in conjunction with Cheshire-based Mosaic Rail Ltd and will see the modern technology introduced.

The exterior of the 'box was repaired with a Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 2014, but the next phase will make it the oldest operational McKenzie & Holland first-generation style 'box in the UK.

A Churnet Valley spokesman said: “The centrepiece of this project will be the reintroduction to service of the Grade II-listed signal box at Leek Brook Junction, something that will also include the reinstatement of the former triangle for the first time since 1935 – and make it the first fully-signalled original triangle within UK preservation.”

The line's managing director, Greg Wilson, added: “This partnership ensures that we will have a signalling system with safety at its core, making use of our heritage assets while also providing a valuable insight into how previous generations signalled trains.”

Mosaic Rail Ltd signalling director Matt Wilton said: “This will give an opportunity to integrate modern technology and design systems into signalling systems used from the bygone days of the railway as part of a heritage railway operation.”