Repairs approved for listed Monks Siding railway signal box

Plans have been approved to carry out necessary repair work to Monks Siding Signal Box in Sankey Bridges.

Network Rail sought listed building consent to refurbish the historic signal box and give it the loving attention that it rightly deserves.

This has now been granted by Warrington Borough Council’s planning department.

The Grade II-listed building sits on Quay Fold next to the railway line which connects Warrington Bank Quay and Liverpool South Parkway train stations.

It was built in 1875 and still retains its original 20-lever LNWR tumbler frame.

The signal box is a two-storey timber framed structure. The ground floor houses signalling equipment which is operated by a signaller from the first floor.

The Grade II-listed Monks Siding Signal Box in Sankey Bridges pictured in 1987

The planning application proposed all external work, including the repair of timber and guttering.

The timber will then be prepared for painting in a colour which matches the existing colour scheme.

Surrounding vegetation and debris to perimeter of signal box will be removed as required, while wrought iron repairs will also be carried out where needed.

Documents submitted as part of the application state: “The proposed development is considered necessary to improve and extend the safe operation of the station.

“This in turn preserves the building’s character and use.

“The proposal will not be to the detriment of the building’s historic character.”