West Somerset passenger trains all set for Minehead return in 2022
WEST Somerset Railway
(WSR) passenger trains are on course to resume operating to Minehead for the 2022 season – the work to replace Seaward Way level crossing near the seaside terminus having reached a key milestone.
The main contractors Amey handed back the crossing to the WSR on October 18. The level crossing order was due to come into force on October 26, authorising use by the Office of Rail and Road. Training of staff in the use of the new crossing was then set to start and various service trains will be able to use the crossing.
The management of the replacement has been undertaken by a joint WSR and Somerset County Council (SCC) team. This has been jointly led by Paul McSharry, managing director of Kilborn Consulting, John Jenkins, WSR signal engineer and Frank Courtney, WSR plc director. With the road having been built long after the railway – 30 years ago – the new crossing has been funded by SCC.
Operations
Full public use of the railway over the new crossing will not recommence until the start of the public passenger service next spring, at which time the railway will celebrate the full reopening of Minehead station.
Meanwhile, the WSR’s October 2-4 Autumn Steam Gala – the first event in two years – was popular despite the weather with nearly 1100 passengers travelling (1071) and revenue of over £20,000. It featured all four home-based steam locos – Nos. 5199 and 9351, plus ‘Manors’ No. 7822 Foxcote Manor and No. 7828 Odney Manor. ‘Hymek’ diesel No. D7018 was also in action. While numbers were down on previous events, the WSR said the gala was a big morale booster for staff, volunteers and stakeholders alike.
The railway’s ‘SOS’ appeal now stands at £57,749.74, i.e. over 11% of the initial £500k target this winter and so almost 6% of the full £1 million appeal figure. Almost 8000 passengers have booked for the WSR’s Santa Express and new Winter Lights festive services, bringing in revenue of more than £150,000.