Railway equipment saved from scrap heap

Historical railway equipment has been saved from the scrap heap by three groups of enthusiasts.

The items have been rescued from the Northumberland Line, which is being upgraded to restore services between Ashington and Newcastle for the first time in 60 years.

Signalling will no longer be controlled by lineside signal boxes meaning much of the kit was to be thrown away until the community groups claimed them.

Fiona Blyth, from Network Rail, said there was "always a clamour to get pieces of railway heritage" but it can be difficult to donate some items.

"For practical and operational reasons we can’t keep or donate every piece of equipment that comes out of now-redundant signal boxes," she said.

"We’re always thrilled when we can pass items over to groups who will lovingly preserve them."

Two diagrams from Marcheys House and North Seaton signal boxes were donated to Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway and the Northumberland Line Heritage Community Group.

Choppington Parish Council also received a sign from Marcheys House signal box.

Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council which worked with the groups to secure the items, said: "While the Northumberland Line is very much looking to the future, it's important to remember the proud history and heritage of the railway both in our county and the wider North East."

Once the line reopens, signalling will be controlled from a centre in Newcastle.

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