Consall
Brief History
Consall station was a late addition on the North Rode to Uttoxeter double track diversionary route built by the North Staffordshire Railway in 1849. Consall did not have a station until 1902 and the service was always at a minimum. The station had no signals or turnouts, just the two tracks running through with platforms on either side. Due to the proximity of the canal an overhanging platform was needed on the Up side, complete with waiting shelter. The Down platform was given a small station building and hut at the south end of the platform but that was as far as the passenger facilities went. After the passenger service was withdrawn in the 1960's the station became derelict and the buildings on the Down platform were demolished, the platform itself slowly reduced to a grassy mound over the years. The Up platform was removed completely however the overhanging shelter miraculously survived and is now the only original building remaining.
Reopening
When the CVR purchased the line and station site in 1996 all that remained was the overhanging shelter in very poor condition, the grassy mound that was once the Down platform and a single track running through the site. Very soon the mound was transformed back into a platform and by the time services returned in 1998, a run round loop had also been installed to allow Leekbrook trains to terminate here. Work didn't stop here however, the station building, also on the Down side, was rebuilt using a similar structure nearby and the site was slowly improved over time. After the extension to Froghall in 2001, the run round loop became a passing loop and a signal box with various signals and equipment was added. The overhanging Up platform was also rebuilt in 2005 and the original shelter restored to former glory to allow people to change trains via a foot crossing at the Froghall end of the station. The site is now looking very complete with most of the features having been restored/rebuilt and is one of the most picturesque locations on the railway.
The Future
In the future Consall will maintain the high standard it now has following restoration and remain a pleasant country station for passengers to enjoy. The latest project is the refurbishment of the coach located in the grounds which had been supplying refreshments until it became a little worse for wear.
