Broadbottom station group bid fond farewell to their 'shelter'

A familiar part of Broadbottom railway station will soon be coming down as Network Rail look to the future.

The company says the 70-year-old wooden shelter on the side of the track has finally come to the end of the line.

But villagers, who call themselves the ‘Shelter  Group’,  are calling for the promised replacement to reflect the station’s historic heritage.

Spokeswoman Joan Abrams said: “The station was built in 1842 and the shelter was built in 1952 to replace one which was burned down and it is well used.

“We realise that Network Rail will not change their mind and they say it will be coming down on March 7, but we want the replacement to be in keeping with the station’s history.

“Network Rail say they will work with us in its design and  we would like it to include  some of the wood from the shelter and the wooden bench.”

Passengers and villagers had been fighting to save the shelter for many years, enlisting the support of local councillors and  in 2018 a 325 name petition was sent to Network Rail.

In a bid to strengthen their campaign, The Shelter Group contacted English Heritage to get the shelter listed, but without success.

A planned approach to Railway Heritage also failed and continuous contact with Network Rail to repair and retain the shelter did not bring the guarantee villagers wanted.

DEPARTING: Group members with the Broadbottom shelter behind. 

The group believes the total cost of replacing the shelter will be around £175,000. Repairing and improving the existing structure, they say, would be far less.

Joan says a local carpenter has even drawn up plans for a wooden replacement that would cost a fraction of £175,000.

The group has taken photographs of the shelter that has protected waiting passengers from snow, rain and wind for more than half a century to keep its memory alive.

Members will no doubt be there again with their RIP placards on March 7 to see it finally come down.

Friends of Glossop Station chairman Neil Williams said: “We wish the group well with their campaign to save the historic wooden waiting shelter on the Manchester-bound platform. It is quite unique in the area.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The 1950-built wooden passenger shelter at Broadbottom station is now more than 70 years old and has to be replaced. 

“From next month the old structure will be removed and a temporary covering built to protect passengers waiting for trains from the elements. 

“Designs for the new permanent shelter are being drawn up with the help of station user groups and train operator Northern so it’s in keeping with the character of the area.” 

Watch a video, where members of the Shelter Group explain more, at the top of the page. Video and images by Nigel Wood. 

Main image:

SAD GOODBYE: Members of the Shelter Group, including Longdendale councillor Janet Cooper (second left).