New bid to connect heritage railway to mainline

There have been several attempts to join the West Somerset Railway to the main line

A bid to connect one of the longest heritage railways in Britain with mainline services has taken a step forward.

West Somerset Railway (WSR) and Somerset Council have now submitted a business plan to the government to restore the mainline from Taunton to the final WSR stop at Bishop's Lydeard.

The proposal suggests Bishop's Lydeard could become a commuter and tourist hub.

Richard Wilkins, the council's lead for transport, said it would "provide a significant transport link" to communities.

The heritage line, which is 20 miles long, runs between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead via coastal towns and villages including Crowcombe, Watchet, Dunster.

While there is track which runs through from Taunton to Bishop's Lydeard, there have been several unsuccessful attempts to reconnect the service.

Bishop's Lydeard is at the end of the heritage railway line

Infrastructure improvements to parts of the mainline including Norton Junction are expected to cost about £6m.

Mr Wilkins said the link would "preserve a vital piece of our heritage" and boost local transport choices.

There would be new year-round WSR trains and these would also join up with bus timetables

It is part of a wider push to reduce car usage and promote more sustainable options.

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, chairman of WSR, said they are looking forward to developing the final business case.

"If successful this will play a key part in the West Somerset Railway’s future," he added.