Wednesday 17th October 2012



Wingfield Railway Station (below) in Derbyshire, has been included on the Victorian Society's list of the ten most endangered buildings in England and Wales.


Picture courtesy Steven Lee

The publication of the Top Ten follows a nationwide appeal to find the best and most at risk buildings in England and Wales. Across the country, historians, enthusiasts and local campaigners suggested Victorian or Edwardian buildings at risk in their local area.

Most have suffered considerable neglect; in the case of this Grade II rail station, the neglect has been especially severe. It needs urgent work to reverse years of decay.

The station was built in 1839-40 from a design by Francis Thompson. It is now in a terrible state. The roof is falling apart, allowing water to further ruin what's left of a particularly pleasing building.

"This is a rare and very early example of Victorian station architecture," said Chris Costelloe, Director of the Victorian Society. "It has been allowed to deteriorate in the hands of a private owner. Amber Valley Council must act before the station is lost for good. It's well past time for action - compulsory purchase should be on the agenda."

Other buildings on the list include Ipswich's blighted and vandalised former County Hall; an ornate dock pumphouse in Merseyside blasted by Atlantic weather and a vast natural stone 'staircase' in the Yorkshire hills at risk of replacement in concrete.

"The public responded enthusiastically to our call for threatened buildings," said Chris. "It shows the public cares - but it also shows there are still too many historic buildings at risk, without recognition or protection."

The Victorian Society is calling for the public's help in protecting and defending the nation's historic buildings.

The station's story of decline begins with the 1960s rail cuts, which led to its closure. Soon afterwards it was sold to a private owner and its travails began, which were to last decades. One local resident recalled how holes appearing in the roof would be covered by nothing more than plywood sheeting.

Over the years, locals and heritage campaigners have raised the condition of Wingfield Station with the local Amber Valley council. The building has seen too much time go by to wait any longer. The council needs to take action urgently: compulsory purchase looks to be the only answer.

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