CAMPAIGNERS are calling for action over the disused signal box at Dawlish Railway Station.

Almost 100 years old, the Grade II listed signal box has been out of action for 25 years but there are fears that if no one is found to occupy it soon, it could become impossible to repair.

Town councillor Wally Protheroe is urging Network Rail to address the issue and is suggesting that it could be turned into a tourist attraction, particularly to appeal to rail enthusiasts.

He said: 'This signal box is of great historic interest, there are not many of them left. If we are going to improve the rest of the station and make it more attractive, the signal box needs looking at as well. It is one of the first things visitors see when they get off the train.

'I want to see it repaired and brought up to standard as I am afraid it will be allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair, it will deteriorate even further.

'I am trying to build up some interest among the general public.

'The railway is a big part of Dawlish history and I am sure railway buffs would be only too keen to view it if it can be refurbished to standard.'

The signal box dates back to 1917 and is considered unique because of its scale. However, it has not been used for more than two decades when signalling for the line was transferred to Newton Abbot.

Since then, there have been attempts to find a use for it without success, although an artist expressed an interest in using it as a studio some years ago.

Network Rail says it is keen to speak to anyone who may be interested in using it and is always looking at ways of bringing it back into use.

There are no firm proposals to reuse the building.

A spokesman for Teignbridge Council said: 'Discussions have taken place in the past about reusing the building.

'There are, however, no firm proposals received from the owners to date to bring about its reuse.'

The box is Grade II listed, granted in 2004 because of its historic interest and architectural importance, and is in the Dawlish Conservation Area.