Fairlop Loop - The Disused Connection Today

The Disused Connection Today

The disused connection between Ilford/Seven Kings and Newbury Park is relatively short, at approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km) long, but it is still evident at ground level. This is despite the track being lifted many years ago. From south to north, there are three road bridges, Vicarage Lane, Benton Road and Wards Road apparently crossing over a missing alignment, though much of the route was in a cutting that has been filled in since the line closed. Also, south of Newbury Park, the inclines to/from the tunnel portals towards Gants Hill diverge away from what's left of the former route. Immediately to the south is an electrical substation off Glebelands Avenue. South of there, there is a stretch of derelict land followed by a small area of allotment gardens north of Wards Road, with more allotments to the south of there and north of Benton Road. South of Benton Road, an outbuilding of St. Aidan's School as well some new blocks of flats (Friars Close) occupy the alignment as far south as Vicarage Lane, whilst south of there are yet more flats (Piper Way) lying just to the north of Ilford Carriage Sheds, the expansion of which followed the initial severing of the Newbury Park Junction to Ilford Carriage Sidings Junction curve in November 1947. The route was abandoned fully when the connecting curve to Seven Kings West Junction was lifted in 1956. The site of this curve is now occupied by the depot's "New Shed", opened in 1959. Little evidence remains for the former junctions at the Main Line end.

• The A12 Eastern Avenue crosses the Central line just to the south of Newbury Park station. Note eastbound tunnel portal, to the right of the remains of the old route to Ilford.

• View from the A12 looking south of the station showing the present route to Gants Hill diverging from the former alignment to Ilford and Seven Kings. An eastbound train has just emerged from the portal.

• Bridge on Wards Road looking east. Newbury Park is a few hundred yards to the north, whilst to the south and immediately to the north, allotments occupy the alignment. The former route was in a cutting that has been filled in.

• Looking south from Wards Road along the former alignment. Allotments now occupy the route, as far as Benton Road just visible in the distance.

• Looking west towards the bridge on Benton Road, similar to that on Wards Road but with pavements on both sides. The former route here was also in a cutting.

• Looking north from the recently built Friars Close towards Benton Road, St Aidan's School lying just beyond the fence. Most, but not all, of the residential buildings lie just off the old alignment, marked by these trees.

• Looking south from Vicarage Lane towards the flats comprising the brand new (as of 2008) eastern half of the Piper Way development. The block of flats nearest the camera occupies the site of the old Newbury Park Junction. In the distance on the extreme left, part of Ilford Car Sheds is visible.

• Looking north towards Vicarage Lane bridge from the new blocks of flats on Piper Way, illustrating that the former route was still in a cutting this far south. The photo was taken on the site of the old Newbury Park Junction. Ilford Car Sheds lie directly to the south of this estate.