As it transpired, this was the last day of operation

of Hamstead Crossing Signal box. It was being taken out of use at midnight as an intermediate block post between Newbury West and Kintbury. The scaffolding was erected so as to complete the installation of the CCTV cameras on their tall poles. The crossing was to be monitored and controlled by a new mini work station at Kintbury. Notice how shiny and new looking the barriers are! I remember the signallman shouting at me to move my ITT radio cassette recorder as he thought it was going to foul the barriers when they were lowered.