A planning application has been submitted reference : 2016/0806 for the demolition of the Spooner Row Signal Box. I had thought it was to be removed to the Wymondham Halt but apparently only part of it is to be preserved. So, take your photos while you can. As an iconic feature of Spooner Row, it will undoubtedly be missed.
The reports says "The upper operational floor of the structure will be removed in sections and retained for heritage railway, this will be loaded onto an awaiting lorry...... brick ground floor walls will be demolished".
Can we assume that this iconic and historic building of Spooner Row (the top part) will be relocated to Wymondham's heritage MNR Halt?
Cavick Road/Becketswell Road crossing is the heritage MNR halt in Wymondham. So it looks like Spooner Row is to lose an attractive historic piece of the village to Wymondham. Historically Spooner Row was always known as the poor relations of Wymondham, seems nothing changes much when Wymondham helps itself to what is ours. Perhaps they can develop the signal box site for housing as is the usual practice now for Spooner Row!
If there are real train enthusiasts in Wymondham then let them maintain it in it's original position in Spooner Row and not on some tourist (Wymondham promoting) 'heritage line'. If they leave it where it is on the main line, loads more people will be able to view a piece of original railway heritage in it's original location and not in some theme park.
Just to let people know that a notice has gone up stating that Station Road will be closed from 10 pm on 2nd July until 7 am on 3rd July to allow removal of the Railway Box.
The top wooden part of box is being moved to Becketswell (Wymondham) and the new brickwork is already in place. The village is losing a landmark.
What is going to happen to the "Spooner Row" sign on the signal box? They won't be wanting our sign in Wymondham. Does anyone, anywhere actually speak up for us in Spooner Row (other than Julian Halls, and that is not a political statement.) We need more voice here - it's just not on to take what is valid in Spooner Row eg our heritage and just dump unwanted houses, left, right and centre!
Just for info I tried as best I could to block this but the MNR were well advised and claim that as an operational undertaking they did not even need Planning permission. No one felt that energised or that monied to challenge it. It is a travesty in my view but no one at South Norfolk wanted it listed , so ..............