Railway signal box restored after arson attack

A signal box at the Nene Valley Railway has been rebuilt following a fire.

On the morning of Monday 13 March 2023, staff and volunteers from the Nene Valley Railway (NVR) woke to the news that their beloved signal box at Orton Mere station had been set ablaze.

It followed several overnight arson attacks in the Peterborough area.

The fire had burnt through the back wall of the signal box and destroyed all the heritage signalling equipment. 

Photo: Nene Valley Railway

Donations soon started arriving from well-wishers, and a dedicated restoration fund was setup. 

One of the largest donations came from two local teenagers and railway enthusiasts, Harry and Oliver.

They were devastated at the site of the wrecked signal box, and decided to do a sponsored walk along the whole 7-miles of the railway to raise funds.

The boys raked in an incredible £15,000.

Harry and Oliver told Star why they love the railway:

As restoration work was carried out during the NVR's on-season, the railway had to operate a basic single train service for the whole of 2023.

This had a big knock-on effect for popular events like gala days and cream tea specials.

Almost exactly one year on, after months of fundraising and hard work, the signal box has been restored to its former glory.

Photo: Nene Valley Railway

Star was invited to the official reopening on Saturday 9 March 2024.

Also in attendance were local lads Harry and Oliver, everyone who had worked on the restoration and the firefighters who had been so quick to respond back in March 2023.

A special plaque was unveiled by NVR President Miranda Rock from nearby Burleigh House.  

NVR Chairman Michael Purcell told Star he was grateful for all the support: