FOR years it has stood as a guardian at Reigate station, releasing trains to continue their journey down the line.
But now the old signal box, which stands on the edge of the level crossing, is facing demolition.
In the next four years, all signalling around the country will be moved to 14 hubs – the nearest at Three Bridges – and Reigate's box will stand redundant.
Six years shy of its 90th birthday, the box is listed as "worthy of note" by English Heritage and still retains the look it had when it was built in 1929.
But with constant modernisation in the area, some are determined this bastion of railway history must not be lost.
"It is an integral part of Reigate's history," said resident Katrina Millard.
"It should be preserved. The steam trains used to travel past it, so it is a link with our history."
Network Rail is upgrading signalling around the country over the coming years, which will lead to many signal boxes, like Reigate's, being put out of service.
But Network Rail spokesman Jon Crampton said the landmarks will not be abandoned.
"The days of a lot of signal boxes up and down the country are coming to an end," he said.
"But it is a long process, it will not happen overnight.
"If a signal box is not listed, we will check with English Heritage to see if it is important. If it isn't, it will be disposed of."
But he added that community and history groups could have the chance to take on the building.
Local historian Alan Moore, said: "It is a local landmark, everyone is used to it.
"There was one at Redhill station which has been knocked down and it's a shame."
The box was built to replace the old signal box which was located in the nearby sidings, but not close enough to the level crossing.
Apart from some updates to equipment in 1983, the box is still as it was first built.
Residents have called for the building and its basement to be turned into a museum remembering the history of the town or the railway line.
Frank Millard, of Sandcross Lane, Reigate, said: "It goes back to the age of steam. We have lost far too many old buildings in this town. It is about a line in the sand; who wants to see it go?"
Do you have memories of the signal box? Call 01737 783869 or e-mail chris.madden@essnmedia.co.uk
