Historic railway sign handed to Mayor as work on new station continues

A piece of Willenhall’s railway history has returned home as work to open a new station continues.

The historic red sign, from the former Willenhall Station which closed in 1965, will now take pride of place ready to welcome passengers to the town’s new station when it opens next year.

The wooden sign was gifted by the Willenhall History and Heritage Society to Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, during a visit to view progress on the new station and see the new passenger footbridge which was installed earlier this summer.

 The project is seeing two new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston built ready for the return of passenger train services next year – linking local people to the rail network for the first time in 60 years.

The West Midlands Growth Plan, launched by the Mayor earlier this summer, sets out how, investment in reliable and convenient public transport links, such as at Willenhall and Darlaston, is not just about moving people, but driving business expansion and housing development.

Mayor Richard Parker, centre, with members of the Willenhall History and Heritage Society

The project is led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), in partnership with Walsall Council, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and West Midlands Trains. The works are being carried out by contractor Kier Group.

The historic sign dates from rail nationalisation in the late 1940s and stood on the station until it closed as a result of the Beeching cuts of the 1960s. It was discovered among debris at the local Masons Sawmill following a fire and given to the Society who cleaned it, strengthened it and replaced the damaged end to bring it back to a useable condition.

Brian Read, chairman of the Willenhall History and Heritage 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. I look forward to seeing it welcoming passengers when the station opens next year."

 

The Mayor 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.

“As we look ahead to opening next year, we're building more than just a railway station. We're creating better access to jobs, education, and leisure, which is a core part of my Growth Plan to invest in public transport, drive new housing, and support local businesses."

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council and WMRE Board member, said: “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.”

The new stations will each have two platforms suitable for 4-car trains, pedestrian footbridges, stairs and lifts, secure bike parking, ticket machine and passenger help points and car parks.

Local councillor Simran Cheema praised the Society for their restoration work and added:

“Willenhall is a town with a rich heritage, and incorporating this historic sign helps to keep that proud history alive for future generations. I look forward to the opening of the station next year and to seeing local schools and community groups involved in the public realm works as the station nears completion.”

To celebrate the new stations and involve community in creating artwork, community artist Maud Milton will be working with local residents to ensure community is at the heart of the project.

Maud founded Artyface Community Art in 1999. They will create five bespoke mosaics for the five new railway stations currently under construction in Birmingham and the Black Country, including Willenhall.

Local artists Stacy Hammond and Charlotte Jenkins are also working across the five stations by designing bespoke display boards, demonstrating the heritage of the Black Country and South Birmingham.