West Somerset prepares for recovery

THE WEST Somerset Railway (WSR) reopened on May 21 with a key mission to make up as much ground as possible during 2021, a season shortened by COVID-19. Boosted by the bonus of staycation and implementing its recovery plan, the WSR is pulling away from the challenges of the last two years. Although last year’s season was heavily truncated and confined to Minehead, it set firm foundations for financial recovery with an operating surplus in sight.

COVID-related shortages of staff and materials mean that Somerset County Council’s replacement of Seaward Way level crossing at Minehead has been delayed, so it remains closed until early July. As a result, the initial reopening is from Bishops Lydeard to Williton, making use of the latter’s runround loop. Some trains will go through to Watchet and later Dunster from where a shuttle bus will connect Minehead. To concentrate on rebuilding its finances, the WSR Board has decided not to pursue the ‘Bailey Report’ recommendation to create an over-arching new charity. The proposal has yet to be fully developed and costed but may yet be revisited.