TRAIN lovers are being told they only have a few days left if they want to look around the Banbury North Signal Box.

The redundant building is due to be dismantled by Network Rail in the coming weeks after unsuccessful plans to turn it into a community and heritage asset.

But the national firm deferred the move for eight weeks to allow local people to run tours of the box, which proved to be a surprise hit in the summer.

About 3,000 people have been shown around the signal box so far by signalmen and rail workers who between them kept Banbury’s trains safe and timely.

Cream teas, society meetings, business meetings, school visits and staff days out as well as visits from Cubs, Brownies and Beavers have taken place.

Rob Kinchin-Smith, chairman of the Banbury Civic Society, said: “While the interest shown has failed to change the ultimate fate of Banbury North Signal Box, the programme of visits has been an outstanding exemplar of community outreach and collaborative working.

“Banbury should be very proud that its initiative and its warmth and enthusiasm for its heritage, have been noted at Network Rail, right up to board and chairman level.”

Earlier this year the south box by Bridge Street was removed as part of an upgrade to the area's signalling system that saw it moved from Banbury to the West Midlands.

The north box is still operational and features a "hidden heritage" of polished levers, mechanical computers and a telegraph internet.

AS well as rail enthusiasts, local schools and other youth groups have been taking a tour.

Mr Kinchin-Smith said: "More children have been seen in eight weeks in this signal box than in a year in other programmes.

"It was a lesson in what a fantastic facility the north box is proving to be in community engagement and, perhaps most critically, safety awareness.

"The children and their teachers were not only entranced by what they were shown in the box but they were in awe and wonder as the sound, sight and turbulence of fast freights passing by."

The final day of tours will be on Canal Day in Banbury on October 2, after which dismantling will start.