Station with an identity crisis! There is not, and has never been a station called West Watford.... notwithstanding this photograph, taken in June 1985, which is presumably the result of a sign maker having an off day. The station at Watford West was opened on 15 June 1912 along with the rest of the Croxley Green branch. The branch was temporarily (but definitely not officially) closed in 1996 (due primarily to the significant legal difficulties involved in permanently closing a railway station). The minimum legal requirement to maintain open status is one service per month in one direction - which is provided in this case by a temporary replacement bus service. In 2005/6 there were 10 passengers (or the same passenger 10 times) recorded as having bought tickets to Watford West. On a more positive note, LU has plans to divert the Metropolitan Line from its current terminus at Watford to Watford Junction. This would mean bringing most of the Croxley Green branch back into use (not that its actually closed you understand) and would result in Watford West station being completely rebuilt and reopened (or rather, not temporarily closed any more....)

Location: Watford West (former)

Original line: Croxley Green Branch (London and North Western Railway)

Photographer: David Panton

Contact photographer: David Panton

Contact editor

Date: 28/06/1985

Image number: 20360

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