Conservative and Liberal Democrat officials have urged the government to fund a plan to reconnect the West Somerset Railway (WSR) to the mainline rail services, aiming to enhance the region’s transportation and tourism potential. The WSR currently operates between Bishop’s Lydeard, near Taunton, and Minehead, extending through several small stations in west Somerset, including Watchet, Blue Anchor, Dunster, and Williton.
Efforts to link the heritage railway with the mainline Great Western Railway (GWR) at Taunton have been ongoing, with a trial connecting service conducted in 2019. Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway PLC jointly presented a strategic outline business case (SOBC) in November 2024, requesting £137,000 from the Department for Transport (DfT) to develop plans for reopening the link between Taunton and Bishop’s Lydeard.
Representatives from the opposition parties are urging the Labour government to approve the funding, enabling the implementation of a full business case at the earliest. The SOBC aims to support the WSR in its heritage capacity, enhance local transport options, and facilitate access to mainline rail services for both business and leisure purposes.
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Additionally, the SOBC proposes transforming Bishop Lydeard into a “park and ride” hub for commuters and tourists, offering convenient access to train services with plans for a year-round service operating on an hourly schedule, coordinated with local bus services. If the full business case is greenlit, trains will operate between Taunton and Bishop’s Lydeard, with potential for a limited number of services extending to Minehead.
James Wright, chairman of the South West Conservative Rural Forum, emphasized the need for improved travel options for residents in Minehead and west Somerset, stressing the potential benefits of reconnecting to the national rail network to alleviate congestion, enhance air quality, and cater to the year-round needs of commuters, students, and tourists.
Rachel Gilmour, the Lib Dem MP for Tiverton and Minehead, expressed her support for the proposed connection, emphasizing its positive impact on transportation and tourism in the region. Gilmour highlighted the significant role of the WSR as a heritage railway and its potential to serve as a crucial commuter link, benefiting both tourists and local residents.
As the region anticipates the spending review’s outcome, stakeholders eagerly await the government’s response to the SOBC, emphasizing the potential for the proposed mainline connection to revitalize transportation and tourism in Somerset.
For more information on the Steam Spectacular or other WSR events, visit www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.