Thanks to local support for one of Suffolk Coastal’s oldest
train stations its future is starting to look a little brighter as
it receives backing from the community and high profile
organisations.
Following a recent public meeting a Friends of Trimley Station
group was established which is calling for Network Rail to delay
its December 31 deadline to come up with an alternative use for the
building.
“At the public meeting last month there was a lot of community
interest in the future of the Trimley station building and its
preservation with representation from Suffolk Acre, Suffolk County
Council, the Suffolk Preservation Society, Suffolk Architectural
Heritage Trust and Felixstowe Futures attending to show their
support,” said Cllr Andy Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning.
Network Rail has deemed the building to be unviable and is set
to demolish the station building early in the New Year if no new
use can be found by December 31.
Since the organisation of the Friends group, letters from
members have been sent to Network Rail asking for a delay in the
deadline to give them time to work out a plan for a new use of the
building.
“Letters of objection have also been sent from local and
national heritage organisations including English Heritage, The
Victorian Society, SAVE Britain’s Heritage, Felixstowe Society and
Ipswich Society.
“Many high profile groups and organisations have got involved to
show their support for the station’s preservation including Private
Eye. The fact that so many individuals and groups are passionate
about the future of the station says a great deal about the appeal
and I hope Network Rail will listen to our pleas for more time,”
added Cllr Smith.
There have also been a number of local developers showing
interest in the building indicating the many possibilities for an
alternative use of the site. Previous suggestions for the site have
included using the premises for business offices, an internet café,
an arts centre, a small retail centre and a visitor centre for the
near by Trimley Nature Reserve.
In the short amount of time left before Network Rail’s deadline
it is hoped that it will recognise the weighty support behind the
station building and be reasonable in extending the deadline for an
alternative use to be found.
“The bid to save the station has proven to be a cause that many
are enthusiastic about and it would be a great shame to see a
long-standing local landmark disappear. We appreciate that Network
Rail may find it unviable to maintain an empty building but that is
why we are working hard to find an appropriate alternative use for
it that will benefit the local community,” added Cllr Smith.
Suffolk Coastal District Council and Trimley Parish Council on
behalf of the Friends group will be meeting with Network Rail on
Tuesday, December 15 where it is hoped that the deadline will be
extended.
To voice an expression of interest in the station or to get
involved with the Friends of Trimley Station residents can contact
Robert Scrimgeour, Senior Design and Conservation officer on 01394
444616 or email
conservation@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk