Jo Milling can vividly recall the day Radstock’s railway line shut down. Despite the somber occasion, the memory is contrasted by a humorous incident involving a visit from glamorous film actress Diana Dors, at which her father received an unexpected kiss on stage, much to her mother’s chagrin.
The Radstock North Railway Station’s spur was dismantled in 1973, and the formal closure of the line occurred in July 1988, marking the end of its passenger traffic services. Although the last passenger train chugged through in 1996, there remains an enduring hope that the trains will one day return to the town.
Paula, a lifelong resident of Radstock, envisions the revival of the railway line as she nostalgically expresses, “I think it would be amazing to make some use of that line.”
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Efforts to resurrect the railways have been ongoing for years, as evidenced by the establishment of ‘The Radstock to Frome Railway Trust’ as a charity in 2014. Despite initial promise, the charity gradually faced financial challenges, leading to its eventual closure in 2023. However, the torch has been passed on to the North Somerset Railway CIC, signifying continued aspirations for future Radstock projects.
The potential for a heritage railway to attract tourism and put the town on the map is a compelling argument, drawing parallels with successful ventures in other South West towns.
Opposing views on the necessity of a new railway are voiced by residents like Megan and Miles, highlighting the divided sentiment within the community.
As the disused railway joins the list of relics lost to time, including the coal mines and the old Co-op, hope remains the one constant amidst the town’s evolving landscape.