Plans have been lodged to repair a Grade II-listed signal box at a South Cumbrian railway station.
Network Rail has submitted an application to the Lake District National Park Authority to restore the the signal box at Bootle Station, which dates back to the 19th century.
Built in 1874, the signal box is a rare example of a Furness Railway Type one signal box and was granted listed status in 2013.
Network Rail said: “The proposals for the repair and restorative works to Bootle signal box provide a solution to restore a poor condition structure by making minor repair work to the existing building.”
It added the proposed restorative work was sympathetic to the listed building and would provide much needed repair work to strengthen the structure.
It said: “The proposed work is considered to represent the optimum solution in terms of preserving the integrity of the structure with minimal impact on the historic fabric whilst still ensuring that the necessary repair works are completed.”
Proposed work includes rebuilding the chimney, replacing stonework in poor condition, replacing deteriorated or broken service supports as well as the removal of the existing protective paint system and recoating with a new Network Rail approved system.
Other proposed work involves:
- Takedown and rebuild of the two stone cladding panels on the west elevation
- In-situ restoration of weathered cill stones.
- Lifting and rebedding of all ridge tiles.
- Splice repairs to the base of 3 No. posts at first floor level.
- Repointing throughout stonework of building.
A recent inspection identified several defects to the signal box and deemed the overall condition of the building to be poor.
This planning application is under consideration by the Lake District National Park Authority.
