Efforts to revive Somerset’s historic rail connections took an important step forward this week as Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, met with Rail Minister Lord Hendy to discuss plans to reconnect the West Somerset Railway with the Taunton mainline.
On Wednesday, October 29, Mrs Gilmour presented the Strategic Outline Business Case developed by Somerset Council and the West Somerset Railway, which aims to restore scheduled passenger services along the heritage line between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton. This initiative, first submitted to the government in December 2024, could link the country’s longest heritage railway directly to the national network, improving transport access and economic prospects for local communities.
Describing the meeting as “constructive,” Mrs Gilmour emphasized the project’s role as a vital initial phase in the broader vision to connect Minehead with Taunton. “This connection would be transformative for West Somerset,” she said, highlighting potential benefits including eased travel congestion, greater employment opportunities, and enhanced social mobility.
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The West Somerset Railway currently runs historic services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, serving a series of small villages. Reinstating regular services between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton would link the heritage line with a major transport hub and could significantly improve regional connectivity.
Lord Hendy praised the project’s potential to address rural transport challenges and stressed that future business cases will need to demonstrate impacts on growth, employment, and housing development to secure further support.
Looking ahead, Mrs Gilmour confirmed her commitment to collaborating with stakeholders including Somerset Council, the West Somerset Railway, and transport advisor David Northey to develop a full Outline Business Case and move this long-awaited project closer to reality.