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More of a "it's on my mind I wan't to know what's happening" query, but in Gillingham (Dorset) station the past few weeks, diggers have been tackling the weedy area behind the signal box.

Network Rail have also started storing track and ballast there recently, and I have noticed the small siding has been upgraded.

Does anyone know whats happening/ its new use?

Regards

Re-signalling between Tisbury and Pinhoe and temporary recontrol at Basingstoke New ASC is about to start  - there'll probably be a number of worksites to prepare.  Salisbury ASC remains operational for a few years yet, and will fringe with Basingstoke New in two directions. 

I'm not sure of the details but I think a number of level crossings are being upgraded, or having their method operation changed - if there are 'crossing boxes' in use now I expect they'll be closing.

(If you didn't already know the intention is that the whole line will be recontrolled by the future Basingstoke Regional Operations Centre, Salisbury being transferred in 2016 and Basingstoke New in 2017.    Basingstoke New will have a life of about 10 years.)

Paul 

There is also talk of using the other platform at templecombe instead of the current one when the box becomes unmanned to make it easier to access services and takes away the need for the crossing 

I hope a use can be found for Templecombe Signal Box after it is decommissioned. It's an excellent example of 1930s Southern Railway architecture. Known as a 'glasshouse' SR type 13 apparently. The most westerly example built by the SR.

A small museum inside showing the history of the S&DJR perhaps....?

Excellent idea for a possible future use of the Templecombe SB - unless it may be 'treading on the toes' of the existing S&DJR museum (http://www.sdrt.org/)?  :-\

Be nice to have a 'satellite' museum actually located on the former route of the S&DJR..... ;D

http://www.trainweb.org/railwest/railco/sr/se67-sb1.html#temple