Save our stations
When travelling around East Anglia by train, or even by bus or car, have you noticed the number of railway stations which are boarded up, with no facilities for travellers; or even worse, in a derelict state and on the verge of falling down?
East Anglia was one of the first regions in Britain to develop the rail network , nearly about 180 years ago. For the first time ever, people could travel all over the country, and this great advance of technology was celebrated with beautifully designed station buildings, in which passengers could wait in comfort, obtain refreshments and use the toilet. No more. Network Rail and the train operators no longer share the pride of their predecessors in these lovely stations, and many lie forlorn and abandoned just waiting for the bulldozer’s coup de grace. As ticket offices disappear, the stations are closed: no loos, no buffets – just bus shelters.
A number of stations are in a particularly parlous state: Brandon, Trimley, Dovercourt, Trowse, Salhouse, Weeley and Woodham Ferrers. Others, which are in a better state of repair but which lie empty, and unused for travel purposes, include Thetford, Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds, Thurston, Stowmarket, Manningtree, Dovercourt and Great Bentley.
Historic Suffolk has joined forces with Historic Norfolk and SAVE, along with a number of individual station support groups to work with the industry to restore and re-purpose these important buildings. While progress is slow, opposition from the industry is lessening, as the railway operators gradually come round to the idea that they are worth saving. We wait to see if the much heralded renationalization of the railways under the banner of “Great British Railways” is a force for the good, or merely a case of “the emperor’s new clothes”.
Most campaigning is undertaken by the Chairman, who would welcome assistance in the current campaign to save a number of Victorian railway stations from demolition, and to find meaningful future uses for a great many others.
If you think you could help, please contact us on hello@historicsuffolk.org.uk or chair@historicsuffolk.org.uk