Removal of Shed Roof

The shed roof being removed by contractors.
The shed roof being removed by contractors.
Credit: Gavin Moore, Oct.2003

As has been widely reported earlier this year, the roof of Cranmore Depot was declared structurally unsound during high winds due to the failure of one of the main trusses. It was the opinion of contractors who assessed the damage that the roof would not survive the winter and that should it collapse, there was a major risk that it would take out the walls with it. Accordingly the Board appointed RM Penny Construction to remove the roof for the sum of ?10,000. Subsequent inspections discovered that the vent stacks contained Asbestos and required both additional cost of ?6,000 and for the ESR to go through the 14 day notification period prior to removal.

Works were completed on Saturday 22 November 2003 and the shed (albeit roofless) is now safe to use once more for the purpose of storing engines. In addition it allows use of the pit for routine maintenance and oiling up, something that crews will be very pleased to have! The removal of the roof now makes an interesting location for photo charters as allows the recreation of cameo scenes around steam sheds in the 1960?s when roofs had been removed prior to redevelopment. The ESR would be pleased to hear from anybody keen to arrange such a photo charter.

News item added on 25th November 2003, by GM


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