Birchden - March 1992

After lying disused for some time, the signalbox has been removed and the junction replaced by two diverging single tracks.

The disconnected remains of the former down lines from Hurst Green and Tunbridge Wells can just be seen.

Although the promoters of what became the Spa Valley Railway had hoped that preserved trains might eventually run from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge, using the track in the foreground, this hope has not yet been realised.

Given current health and safety thinking, it now seems open to doubt whether their old slam-door trains would be permitted to share the route with modern services. Perhaps in recognition of this, in 2003 they sought planning permission for a new 91m concrete and steel halt just short of the former junction (on the far right of this shot).

However, Wealden District Council rejected their application, both on the grounds that it would damage this area of outstanding natural beauty -- and that it would prejudice any future revival of the Tunbridge Wells route as part of the national network.