Decline and Revival
The infamous Beeching Report identified Cromford and other local stations between Derby and Buxton/Chinley for closure, and notices were subsequently posted with a planned introduction date of 14th June 1964. The matter remained in abeyance until the beginning of 1967 when Barbara Castle, the then Minister of Transport, decided that most stations between Derby and Matlock should remain open, but only with a limited peak hour service on weekdays (4 trains from Matlock, 3 from Derby). The new arrangement was introduced on 6th March 1967.
From 11th May 1969 the line was singled between Ambergate and Matlock and the Up line through Cromford station taken out of use. This resulted in the Up platform and Waiting Room no longer being required, though the overbridge was retained to provide access to the former Station Master’s House. Before the track was lifted, however, the Up side of the station was used for scenes in the film The Virgin and the Gypsy.
The non-stop trains which replaced the expresses were never full, and representation was made for these to call at the intermediate stations. This arrangement was introduced around 1970, with Cromford station consequently receiving a much-improved service. Sunday services have been re-introduced in more recent years.
The upside waiting room was consequently taken out of use and left to fall into a slow decline. It is testament indeed to the superior workmanship and quality of materials used that the building has survived almost 40 years to its current state with virtually no maintenance.