Published: Tuesday 24th January 2017 | 8.47am
Work is progressing on the renovation of the signal box located in Hednesford Park, which is set to become a community classroom.
The progress was seen this weekend when the carpenter temporarily removed the boards to reveal the work that has been going on over the last few months.
The PVC doors and windows that were installed by the rail company when it was in operation have been replaced with new, to replicate when they were originally installed in 1876. Other renovation works will include; establishing an electricity connection, completing all internal fixings, floorings and painting.
The renovation works have been possible after The Friends of Hednesford Park were successful in securing a 2 year funding project from Staffordshire Public Health Commissioning Prospectus. This funding will not only provide the costs to renovate the signal box but will also provide the equipment to enable the signal box to become a community classroom.
The training and activities as part of this project have enabled many vulnerable adults in our community to become healthy and active volunteers and they have made a significant and positive contribution to our community and have helped to plant a new formal garden at the Hednesford War Memorial.
The Friends have secured partnerships with South Staffordshire College, The Forest of Mercia CIC and Interact Arts C.I.C. to provide a wide variety of different courses for all ages and abilities in the signal box when the renovation is complete.
Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “Although the signal box does not form part of the Heritage Lottery Scheme for Hednesford Park, the Council were able to help fund its relocation to the park and officers have managed to incorporate it into the overall design.”
“The funding secured by the Friends of Hednesford Park has enabled the improvements to be made to the building for it to be used as an education hub for the whole community in the future.”
Graham Burnett, Chairman of The Friends of Hednesford Park said "The Friends of Hednesford Park are delighted to have secured funding for restoring this iconic and historic Hednesford Signal Box. It is a credit to all involved to see it not only preserved as part the town’s history but also now having a vital future role as a widely used community asset."
Located on the Chase line near Hednesford Station for over 140 years the signal box was earmarked for demolition as part of Network Rails re-signalling works.
Cannock Chase Council, Hednesford Town Council and Staffordshire County Council with the help of Network Rail, saved Hednesford No.1 Signal Box from demolition when the signal system was electrified in August 2013 when the signal box was decommissioned.
A total of £30,000 was raised for its rescue which was funded jointly by partners Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire County Council and Hednesford Town Council.
In February 2014 Hednesford No.1 Signal Box was lifted from Hednesford Station to Hednesford Park.