TRAIN travellers will return to Minehead this weekend as the West Somerset Railway celebrates being able to run passenger services back to the resort for the first time in well over a year.
Work to improve and update the level crossing in Seaward Way meant that last season, trains from Bishops Lydeard had to stop at Dunster station, and passengers were then treated to a vintage bus ride to complete their trip.
Company chairman Jon Jones-Pratt said: “We’re obviously very excited that after a difficult time, steam trains can once again run right back in to Minehead. It’s a very important step for the railway and for the local tourism industry.
“We’re extremely grateful to all our staff and volunteers who’ve worked so hard over the months to make this possible. Our locomotives and passengers coaches have been given full checks and are looking spic and span and as good as they ever have.
“A lot of work has been done by our teams at all the stations, which have been spruced up, the gardeners have been busy, and the whole line is looking wonderful.”
And one station that is re-opening after being closed for quite a while is Washford, which is back in business following a revamp. At Minehead, volunteers have even designed and built two new locomotives – in wood as planters to add colour to the platform displays.
Engineering trains have used the Seaward Way crossing for several weeks, but the first passenger service will be the 10.15am on Saturday from Bishops Lydeard, due to arrive at 11.35am.
That will be followed at lunchtime by a “Fish and Chips Special” on which passengers with relevant tickets can enjoy their meal on the way to Minehead, and a cream tea on the return journey.
Services continue on Sunday, and on the following weekend (March 26 and 27) when Mothers’ Day will be marked by running the line’s Quantock Belle first-class dining coaches providing a slap-up three-course lunch.
But the big moment comes on the weekend of April 2 and 3, when the crossing – repaired after extensive damage by Storm Eunice – will be officially re-opened with a civic ceremony attended by community leaders, and serenaded by Watchet Town Band.
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