CAMPAIGNERS in Banbury are battling to save an historic signal box from demolition.

Network Rail announced plans to tear down both the north and south boxes near Banbury station, as part of £76m of upgrades to the rail network.

But nearly 300 people have joined a Facebook group calling for the north box, which was built in 1901, to be turned into an education centre for railway enthusiasts.

The two boxes, by Bridge Street, are scheduled to be removed when the area's signalling system is upgraded in August and is moved from Banbury to the West Midlands.

Banbury Civic Society chairman Rob Kinchin-Smith, who is part of the campaign, said: "To demolish one of the last remaining signal boxes on the Chiltern mainline seems ludicrous when it is in such pristine condition.

"While Network Rail must ensure it realises 'value for money' in everything it does, we see no advantage in removing a part of our railway heritage when it can bring such tangible benefits to the local community."

Under the plans proposed by the campaign group the north box would be leased by Network Rail to a charitable trust that would be set up specifically to run it.

The box would be turned into an education centre, to allow railway enthusiasts to learn more its history and modern railway safety.

The campaign, and its Facebook group, were set up at the beginning of February.

Nathan Bignell, 22, helped create the group after working for operators Chiltern Railways at the station for work experience.

The accountant from Banbury said: "The south box has had a lot of work done on it and is in good condition, but the north box is more authentic and has not been upgraded.

"We've already had a meeting with industry insiders who have given us their insight of what we can do.

"The box is still up and operational, and because of its condition it should just not be demolished and left in a skip."

It is likely that the south box will need to be demolished when the track is realigned later this year.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday at Ye Olde Reindeer Inn in Parsons Street, starting at 7.30pm.

The group is particularly interested in meeting potential trustees, ex and current railway workers and those who could assist with funding.

Another meeting will then be held between the group and Network Rail next month to discuss what could be done about the box.

To join the Facebook page search for "Banbury North Signal Box" on the website.