CHURCHILL and Blakedown Parish Council has been given a 19th century signal box on the condition it can move it.

Network Rail has donated Blakedown signal box, in Mill Lane, after plans were made to demolish it.

The signal box, built in 1888, is too close to the track to be used where it is, meaning it will need to be taken down, brick by brick, and rebuilt in a new location.

The building is one of 108 notable properties and landmarks named on a heritage list drawn up by Churchill and Blakedown residents.

The list aims to safeguard the history of the two villages and preserve heritage buildings. It features a Victorian corner shop, a former abbatoir and butchers shop, a village green, an old police station and various cottages and homes.

It also includes a red telephone box, a war memorial and Blakedown’s signal box.

Jim Long, Churchill and Blakedown parish councillor, said: “Wyre Forest District Council and community housing have agreed to let us put it on the other side of Mill Lane in a tenant’s garden.

“We are going to form a historical society and want to use the signal box as our meeting room.”

Network Rail had planned to demolish the landmark as an automatic level crossing means it is no longer needed.

The parish council is applying for a heritage lottery grant to move the signal box. A public appeal will also be launched to help with the cost.

Mr Long added: “When planning the list, the amount of interest was amazing and the stories that came out at the meeting really took you back in time.

“Saving the signal box is an immediate result of creating the heritage list. We need letters of support to help with our lottery application, which can be handed in at Blakedown post office.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can call Mr Long on 01562 701168.

To see the full list of properties on the heritage list click here .