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Minehead Rail Link to National Network Moves Forward

Plans to reconnect the historic West Somerset Railway to the national rail network have advanced after Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour secured a pivotal meeting with senior officials from the Department for Transport.

Following the summer recess, Mrs. Gilmour will meet government representatives to discuss proposals for linking the heritage line between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton, as well as addressing other transport challenges in the region.

Currently, the West Somerset Railway operates heritage services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. In December 2024, Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway PLC submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case, requesting £137,000 in funding to develop a full business case aimed at restoring the rail connection.

Mrs. Gilmour recently raised the issue with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in Parliament and pledged full cooperation with Somerset Council. She also drew attention to additional infrastructure concerns in her constituency, including ongoing works on the A396, calls to upgrade the A39, and the closure of the B3191.

Ben Kempner, Department for Transport South West Area Lead, confirmed the department’s interest in visiting Somerset to review the proposed Bishops Lydeard to Taunton rail link and tackle broader transport issues.

“Enhancing transport links is a top priority because it significantly affects rural communities,” said Mrs. Gilmour. “With unreliable bus services like the Number 28 and worsening congestion on the A358 to Taunton, a new rail link would be transformative for residents.”

She added that the upcoming visit would also highlight other transport struggles faced by people throughout her constituency.

Further details about the meeting will be shared later this year.

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