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08
Jul
Knaresborough station to lose one of its most familiar features
Knaresborough railway station will lose one of its most prominent features this weekend.
The signal gantry that towers over the south-western (viaduct) end of platform 2 – the York-bound side – will be removed to make way for a modern replacement.
The grade II listed station was rebuilt in 1890, but the gantry, which stands more than eight metres above the tracks, is believed to have been installed around 1951.
During an inspection three years ago, it was found to be corroded and in poor condition, showing signs of “movement in the structure towards the station platform and buildings”, including the adjacent lamplighter’s house.
The signalling gantry and the lamplighter's house on the far right.
The design, access and heritage statement submitted by Network Rail to support its planning application to remove the gantry stated:
The structure was secured with movement braces; however, this solution is not permanent and has resulted in the closure of pedestrian steps from the station subway to platform 2 and a diversionary route for pedestrian access provided.
Network Rail applied for planning permission to remove the gantry in February 2024. Consent was granted the following May.
The signalling arm was taken down on Sunday night, and the main structure of the gantry will be removed over the coming weekend.
It will be replaced with an electronic LED signal, four-and-a-half metres shorter than the old one, installed on platform 1, on the opposite (Harrogate-bound) side of the tracks.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Network Rail told the Stray Ferret:
Survey work in 2022 identified that the K9 signal gantry at Knaresborough station needed to be replaced. Plans were drawn up for a modern LED signal post to be the replacement, with the required listed building consent granted by the local authority.
The old ‘semaphore’ arms were taken down from the old signal last Sunday night. The rest of the structural works are set to take place this weekend, after which the old K9 signal material will be scrapped.
The old semaphore signal was removed on Sunday and will be replaced by a modern LED alternative.
The old signal may have been a familiar sight on Knaresborough’s railway platform, but it will not be universally missed, and reaction online to the gantry’s removal has been mixed.
One poster commented:
What a shame – another bit of the charming uniqueness that is old Knaresborough being destroyed.
But another said:
Great, get rid of all that metal clutter too. Don't need it, monstrosity!
But from a heritage point of view, it seems it may be a positive development. When Network Rail first applied for planning permission to remove the gantry, Andy Grinter, secretary of Knaresborough Civic Society, told the Stray Ferret:
Removal of the out-of-keeping industrial gantry will improve the heritage value of the station and make it more visually appealing.
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