Maimed beauty deserves better
Photo by Keith W Partlow
This small, spartan and pleasing railway station has suffered for decades at the hands of a private owner. Beyond its distressing neglect, there’s a unique Victorian design to admire. The station’s story of decline begins with the 1960s rail cuts, which led to its closure. A photo taken shortly afterwards in about 1970 shows the station boarded-up but fully intact.
When it was sold to a private owner, however, its real travails began. These 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.