RAIL commuters and residents have demanded a halt to the demolition of a canopy at one of Merseyside’s oldest railway stations.

The 150-year-old cast iron canopy at Aigburth Railway Station, at Mersey Road, is being dismantled to make way for a “bus shelter” waiting room.

More than 100 local residents and rail passengers have already signed a petition to get the work stopped.

Mossley Hill councillor Tina Gould contacted English Heritage in a bid to “spot list” the station and halt the destruction. She also wrote to chairman of Merseytravel Cllr Liam Robinson, city council executive member for culture Cllr Wendy Simon, and Network Rail.

Cllr Gould said: “We need very urgent action to save this important part of Aigburth heritage and an important part of national rail history.”

The original cast iron canopy at Aigburth Station, built in 1864, is currently being removed. Next year it will celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Cllr Gould said: “Local users of the station have told me they were under the impression improvement works were being made at the station to re-open the original station waiting room (closed for many years) and they have been shocked by the extent of the work.”

Although the station is managed by Network Rail, Cllr Gould hopes Merseytravel and the city council’s heritage team can use their influence as a matter of urgency to preserve the station’s historic features.

Local people say the proposed modern “bus-stop” shelter on the station platform will look completely out of place in the original Victorian setting.

Cllr Gould added: “I am amazed there has been no consultation with local people or local councillors prior to this work. People feel proud of their heritage in this city and it is a crying shame such a beautiful old station is being spoiled and defaced in this way. With urgent intervention it is still possible to save the original features.”

Network Rail said the dismantled cast iron columns and details could be re-used on other heritage projects.