General Discussion

Is anything going to be done with the 1920 signal box at the train station?

It just seems to be an eyesore that perhaps needs to be demolished.

Hi Paul.

I think you will find that it is a listed building and therefore cannot be demolished.

If I am wrong, then I apollogise.

I think you are right Carer and that just shows how stupid listings of some buildings are.  The signal box looks awful and is a dangerous structure now (and has been for a while) - yet because it will cost a HUGE amount of money to restore it and comply with the listings, nothing will be done about it until it falls down on its own, and then they can just clear the mess away and say "oops, sorry, it fell down while we were trying to decide what to do about it".  If I remember rightly there were moves to restore it a few years back but the costs were so high that nothing has been done about it.  No doubt someone else can correct this if I'm wrong.

I agree 100%. Its an eyesore and a dangerous one at that. As a historic listed building maybe it should be in a museum, like Avoncroft museum of buildings in Worcestershire. Its presence does nothing for Dawlish, or Dawlish railway station.

Given the amount of interest in trains (for example http://www.dawlish-seawall.com/ ) surely this must be be best viewing platform? Maybe the fisrt floor dedicated to Brunel? Together with the railway engine house (also pretty derelict) there has to be an reason for develpment. maybe

How about the bridge? Anyone know when this is due for re-newel / replacing ?

Yeah good point I'd like to know that as it is currently in an awful state of repair.

I heard the bridge will be replaced later in the year, to coincide with track closures for maintenance.

We heard the same story last year and it still was not done. Why can't somebody approach Network Rail and have a large colourfull silk-screened printed banner with "Welcome to Dawlish" draped on either side of the bridge until they decide to replace it? At least that would cover up the decay as the banners on the viaduct recently before they were forced to remove which covered up that awful colour scheme!

I'm not sure why the replacement hasn't gone ahead.  See planning http://gis.teignbridge.gov.uk/TeignbridgePlanningOnline/Results.aspx?Type=Application&Refval=11/02347/LBC

I've been told the bridge will be replaced over two weekends in Ocotber, let's just hope it's not the same boring, boring cream colour of the viaduct bridge!!

Google suggestss that the plan was for it to happen this September, so another month won't hurt IMHO. Personally, I quite like the colour of the viaduct. I'm sure there'd be plenty of people whining if it was, for example, peacock blue or some other strong colour instead. Still, this is Dawlish, where a moan's gotta do what a moan's gotta do!

I love the current neutral colouring, just hope the rest of the station gets a facelift at the same time. There are many pretty, well maintained stations around (eg Topsham), let's hope Dawlish becomes one of them. 

Is there such a thing as 'Friends of Dawlish Station'?  Or would that involve people getting off their arses instead of moaning all the time?

According to the "Town Crier" Summer 2012 - "Network Rail have programmed the replacement of the footbridge at Dawlish Station to take place in October 2012.  The earlier intention to have it in place by Easter was frustrated by materials supply problems and the decision was taken in conjunction with the operator, First Great Western, to delay the work until after the holiday season.  Dates will be published in advance so that travel arrangements can be maintained during any period of track closure".

 'Friends of Dawlish Railway Station' does exist and Dawlish Community Trust work closely with them, they seem to know all about whats going on at the station maybe a note to DCT may give some answers.

Ive lived in Dawlish for 26yrs and didnt know about friends and you do wow!!!!!! must spend all your time googling alright for some Im too tied up with work, never mind I will retire one day I suppose

Brazilnut, You have to admit he/she has done well since joining this site 12th July 2012, tongue in cheek of course

@User 4549 & @Brazilnut, here are the last 5 posts' IP addresses. If anyone is using more than one username then they are going to great lengths to do so. I thought I'd post this to allay any suspicions. I know people have changed usernames over the years, which is perfectly OK, but I don't think people use more than one username at the same time.

You're spoiling the fun Webmaster - it's great watching him/her meltdown in a frenzy of parnoid delusions!!!  I/we won't hold my/our breath for an apology from User4549 for his/her continuing insinuations........ 

Brazilnut, If you read the local press and for example Dawlish tomorrow you would find out a huge amount about your local area,

I have a family to look after and protect that means making sure where we move to meets all our needs and the majority of our wants.

User now will you give up

Does anyone know how to contact the Friends of Dawlish Station?  Thanks. 

As I understand it the signal box architecture is unique in that it's the only example of a Brunel design with the curved overhang.  Someone got it listed because Network Rail or whoever is responsible for it were planning on demolishing it rather than doing it up.  So their response has been to leave it to decay to the point it becomes unsafe, whereupon they can pull it down - how cynical.   I think it would enhance the station if it was renovated, but if it's taken this long to address the bridge, what hope do we have. 

I think it is a disgrace that the town and south devon as a whole has allowed the station to deteriorate to the level it has.

The area is such a fantastic place to take young children and yet:

> the station reeks of recycled lager

> it is rusting away

> the trains are too short

> as mentioned above the signal box is a wreck

We've been for as a family for the last few years (and I went to uni in Exeter in 1984-7 and visit at least once annually) and have a great time regardless of weather.

Suggested actions:

> point out to first great western that many people may only use the train on holiday - the image is that this method of transport is rubbish as overcrowded with 80s trains and decrepid infrastructure

>market the whole  are properly, pointing out the great resort facilities and that there is so much to do it doesn't matter about the weather - avoid those airport lounges!

>you don't even need a car if the train system is modern, clean and comfortable

I do admit to being an anorak - see article in Railway Modeller March 2012 on my Exeter & Dawlish model railway. But I am also a father / family man and businessman and can see the missed opportunities.

Did you know Exeter West Box is restored at Crewe? Also the Dawlish Warren signal box burned down and was replaced by a residence. My lad would love me to rent the Dawlish signal box as a holiday let and I'm sure there are plenty of people more anorakish than me who would.

Alternatively create a museum with first great western support...

Peter

By the way Peter,what Is that building on Dawlish Warren station? (Exeter Bound side).

@Peter

Unfortunately it is unlikely that any assistance from First Great Western would be forthcoming.   They are coming to the end of their Franchise and have already intimated that they do not intend to rebid.     A recent TV programme indicated that the higher volumes of people who are now commuting to work by train has placed a significant load on rolling stock which is already in need of replacement.   The Exeter to Barnstaple line (The Tarka Line) has seen its passenger load increase by over 150% in the past two years.   The Exeter to Paignton Line is the most expensive in the country to maintain.

I visit Dawlish at least once a year and my late father in law bought a house which we as a family all have access to.   Dawlish is a stunningly beautiful place, and I have watched both my children now 20 and 15 respectively grow up enjoying summers on the beach at Coryton Cove.   

Hopefully when the much mooted plan of replacing the bridge between the platforms in completed that they may actually look at the Signal Box and think that it is a bit out of place.

as I understand it, it is a residence built to look like a signal box. see wikipedia: "From 1974 to 1984 the buildings on the Up side housed the Dawlish Warren Railway Museum with its model railway. This building too burnt down in 2003, but in 2007 a new residential building was built on the site which is outwardly the same design as the former Dawlish Warren signal box. This had been located at the north end of the 'Down' platform until made redundant on 14 November 1986 by the West of England resignalling; it was demolished in May 1990."