Arson theory after former Oswestry signal box fire

Flames ripped through an historic former signal box in Oswestry in a blaze which could have been started deliberately, fire chiefs said today.

Firefighters were called to a yard in Oswald Road, in Oswestry at about 2.48pm yesterday after smoke was seen billowing from the box, called Whistle Stop, which is next to the late night pharmacy and believed to date back at least 80 years.

Two fire engines arrived to put out the flames and crews had the fire under control by about 3pm.

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Adrian Bowen, from Oswestry fire station, said it was believed the fire could have been started deliberately.

The blaze comes just a day after the fire service delivered 200 Arson Alert flyers to homes and businesses in the area.

Mike Rowe, Cambrian Heritage Railways station manager, spotted smoke coming out of the box at about 3.30pm when he came to check on the yard.

He said: "I was worried somebody was in there.

"It was just smoking at the time.

"I opened the door then it went up in flames. I was worried a gas bottle may have been in there."

The box had been on site for about 20 years but was originally a signal box used in a Llansantffraid goods yard.

When it was brought to the Cambrian Heritage Railways it was used as a small cafe.

More recently it has been empty but railway volunteers had thought about restoring it as a ticket office at the northern end of the station.

An employee of the pharmacy, who did not want to be named, said workers and customers had to evacuate the building at the time of the fire.

She said: "I smelt smoke and had a look and saw flames coming out of the top. There was clouds of smoke and flames."

Oswestry Station's current signal box is still intact near to the pedestrian crossing by Coney Green.

Cambrian Heritage Railways has two sites, one in Llynclys and one in Oswestry.

Volunteers have ambitious plans to see the two sites eventually connected via an existing line that is currently being cleared and renovated.