A parish council said it was delighted that a bid has been made to repair decay at a South Cumbrian railway station.
Network Rail wants to carry out repairs and refurbishment at Askam station, which, it says has structurally significant decay.
It has applied to Westmorland & Furness Council for permission to carry out the work.
Askam and Ireleth Parish Council said: “The parish council were delighted to hear that repairs are to be carried out to the station, which is an integral part of the village. To see these buildings repaired and restored is something the parish council have wanted for many years.”
An inspection in November 2023, supported by an additional survey in February, found slipped roof slates and structurally significant decay to the timber elements of the buildings, on platforms one and two of the railway station.
In the platform one building, the survey found widespread cracking and displaced brickwork throughout the dwarf wall.
At platform two, the survey also found cracks to the freestanding brick wall surrounding the former gents toilets, damaged roof coverings, as well as displaced lead flashing and deteriorated mortar to the three chimney stacks, amongst other defects.
Proposed work includes:
- Reroofing
- Replacement of decayed timber roof and wall elements
- Taking down and rebuilding of the chimneys to the structure on platform two
- Concrete repairs to spalled areas of the station buildings
- Crack stitching to damaged masonry brickwork
- Servicing of rainwater goods
- Removal of vegetation
Network Rail said: “It is considered that these repairs would not detract from the historic interest of the building and allows the structure to be maintained for future generations, and to retain its original function as a passenger railway station.”
The station originally opened in 1851 as Ireleth Gate Station before it was renamed to Askam Railway Station in 1875.
It was originally constructed to transport locally mined iron ore, but soon became busier with passengers thanks to the influx of miners. The station buildings were added in 1877.
Network Rail said: “The rationale behind the proposed work is to ensure the station is in a good state of repair and can be maintained as per its original use, and to ensure its longevity.
“It is considered that the majority of the proposed works are considered to be repairs and would not detract from the historic character and form of the buildings, nor would it cause unacceptable harm to its significance of the listed buildings.”
This planning application is under public consultation.
