The roof of the former ticket office at Dumbarton Central train is being refurbished by Network Rail this month.

The canopy above the buildings at platforms one and two at the historic station, one of only 12 ‘A’-Listed stations in Scotland, has badly deteriorated over the years and is now leaking water.

Network Rail says an inspection of the roof revealed that tiles are missing, some of the glass in the canopy is cracked, plants have grown in and some areas are badly stained.

The rail company, which is responsible for maintaining the network’s infrastructure, now has planning permission from West Dunbartonshire Council to carry out the essential repairs which includes replacing slate tiles, repairing chimneys, and fixing cracked glass panels using Georgian-wire.

Network Rail’s Supporting statement in their planning application, said: “The proposed works seek to carry out essential works to the roof canopy to prevent further water ingress and damage to the internals of the buildings, and to promote the life of the buildings.

“In recognition of the unique design of the roof canopy and the special interest of the station buildings of the listed station, a number of conservation techniques are to be employed on site.

“The works will significantly enhance the setting of the station particularly given the elevated nature of the station buildings.”

As previously reported an overall upgrade of the train station is currently being led by Dumbarton Stations Improvement Trust (DSIT) to modernise the town’s crumbling station.

It is hoped the project, which is being funded by West Dunbartonshire Council and supported by both Network Rail and ScotRail/Abellio, will inject new pride into the station and make it an important part of the town centre conservation area.