Central government has declined to provide funding for a critical study aimed at reconnecting the West Somerset Railway (WSR) with mainline train services.
The WSR, a heritage railway, operates between Bishop’s Lydeard—just outside Taunton—and Minehead, serving several small communities in West Somerset, including the coastal town of Watchet and the villages of Blue Anchor, Dunster, and Williton.
Efforts to link the heritage service with Great Western Railway (GWR) mainline trains at Taunton have been ongoing for years. In 2019, a trial connecting service ran between Taunton and Bishop’s Lydeard, demonstrating the potential benefits of a permanent connection.
In July 2024, retired Network Rail planner David Northey revealed that a new business case was being developed to reestablish the link permanently, seeking approximately £6 million for necessary infrastructure improvements.
Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway PLC jointly submitted the strategic outline business case (SOBC) to the Department for Transport (DfT) in November 2024. Following a visit by civil servants in March to meet with the Bishops Lydeard to Taunton rail working group, the DfT permitted the council to proceed with developing a full business case for service restoration.
Despite this progress, the government and Network Rail have refused to provide the estimated £137,000 needed to complete the comprehensive business case and have not committed to approving or implementing the service.
The project aims to preserve the WSR’s heritage function while expanding local transport options, making it easier for residents to access mainline services for work and leisure. Reinstating the rail link aligns with multiple commitments outlined in Somerset Council’s local transport plan, though no internal funds have been allocated to finalize the business case.
Rachel Gilmour, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, commented: “I appreciate the DfT’s engagement and their willingness to let the business case advance. However, without financial backing from ministers, this progress will mean little. It’s high time the government paid attention to the transport needs of rural communities.”
Gilmour emphasized the broader social and economic impacts, stating, “Limited rural connectivity blocks job opportunities, hampers young people’s access to education, and stifles the local economy. Growth requires political will, not just discussion. I urge ministers to demonstrate that will by funding this vital project, which my constituents have long awaited.”
Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, added his support: “If the government truly wants to stand behind rural communities, it must back initiatives that improve public transport. Education and employment opportunities depend on it. I stand with Rachel and the working group in campaigning to make this connection a reality.”
For more information on the West Somerset Railway and its seasonal services, visit www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.