The UK’s longest heritage railway line could finally be reconnected to mainline railway services if a funding bid to central government is successful.

The West Somerset Railway (WSR) runs between Bishop’s Lydeard, a few miles outside Taunton, and Minehead via numerous small stations in west Somerset, including the coastal town of Watchet and the villages of Blue Anchor, Dunster and Williton.

There have been numerous attempts to reconnect the heritage services with mainline Great Western Railway (GWR) services at Taunton, including the trial of a connecting service between Taunton and Bishop’s Lydeard in the summer of 2019.

Retired Network Rail planner David Northey teased in late-July that a new business case was being put together to permanently reconnect the two stations, with around £6m being sought for various improvements.

Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway PLC have now jointly submitted this strategic outline business case (SOBC) to the Department for Transport (DfT) – with a ruling being expected some time in the new year.

The SOBC is designed to support the WSR in its heritage capacity and “boost local transport choice”, making it easier for people to access mainline rail services for both business and leisure.

The council and WSR PLC have asked the government to provide £137,000 to find a full business case, which will include detailed consultation with local residents on how often services should run.

If this full business case is approved, trains will be introduced between Taunton and Bishop’s Lydeard – with scope to run a limited number of services as far as Minehead.

READ MORE: WSR to run steam trains to Christmas markets in Minehead

 

Speaking in late-July, Mr Northey said: “There’s a maximum speed of 25mph under the light railway order, but the principles of running a railway are the same.

“We’re looking at a modest investment of about £6m to upgrade elements of the signalling and infrastructure, and to pay for operating the services.

“If you can get a regular service between Bishop’s Lydeard and Taunton, there are options to look at extending to Minehead on peak days when the WSR doesn’t operate, such as Butlin’s changeover days on Mondays and Fridays.

“We have real problems on the bus network and road network, and even if we only ran the train at 25mph it’s still far better and quicker than the bus journey.”

The SOBC proposes developing Bishop Lydeard as a “park and ride” hub for commuters and tourists, to offer easier access to train services with plans for a year-round service with an approximate hourly timetable, which will be coordinated with local bus services.

The business case, which was developed in conjunction with Great Western Railway and Network Rail, has received strong backing from local MPs, councils, and tourism and heritage organisations in Taunton and West Somerset.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, said: “We are excited about the potential of this project to provide a significant transport link to our local communities and while doing so preserve a vital piece of our heritage.

“This initiative will enhance connectivity, support our environmental goals, and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.”

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, chairman of West Somerset Railways PLC, added: “We are extremely grateful to the team who have developed and supported this project.

“We await the opportunity to develop the final business case and if successful this will play a key part in the West Somerset Railway’s future.”