Historic red railway sign to return to new station

The sign will welcome passengers at the new Willenhall rail station when it opens next year

A historic sign from a former Black Country rail station has been taken out of storage ready to be installed at the town's new station.

Willenhall History and Heritage Society gifted the red sign from Willenhall Station, which closed in 1965, to West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker.

The sign dates back to rail nationalisation, which took place in the late 1940s, and stood on the station until it closed as a result of the Beeching cuts, which led to the closure of 5,000 miles of track and more than 2,000 stations.

It will now welcome passengers to the new railway station when it opens next year as part of the West Midlands Growth Plan to improve the region's economy.

West Midlands Combined Authority said the sign was given to the heritage society after being discovered among debris at the local Masons Sawmill following a fire.

The group cleaned it, strengthened it and replaced the damaged end to bring it back to a useable condition.

'More than just a sign'

Brian Read, chair of the society, said: "It was fortunate the sign survived the fire in such good condition.

"We repaired it in the hope it could be displayed and the new railway station is the perfect place."

The new stations will each have two platforms suitable for four-car trains, pedestrian footbridges, stairs and lifts, secure bike parking, car parks, ticket machine and passenger help points.

Mr Parker said: "Thanks to the incredible work of the society, this sign has been preserved.

"It's more than just a sign - it will serve as a link between our past and this new station's future.

Willenhall and Darlaston stations will be both be opened again in a project that has cost £85m

Under the growth plan, Willenhall and Darlaston will have new stations, linking locals to the rail network for the first time in 60 years.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council and WMRE Board member, added: "It's great to see this historic sign preserved and proudly displayed as part of the new station development in Willenhall.

"Past generations will remember seeing it and now future generations of Willenhall people can do the same.

"As we invest in the future of the borough, it's important to honour our past and be proud of our heritage. I look forward to seeing the new railway stations open next year."