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Ambitious new proposals to boost tourism and further develop the Southern end of the West Somerset Railway (WSR) have been announced today (24 March 2004) by the steam line’s volunteer group which has just bought a large area of land at Norton Fitzwarren.
Subject to planning authority approval, it is hoped that the 33-acre site would not only eventually provide vitally needed new railway servicing facilities, but also would lead to new engineering jobs for the area.
The new facilities would include engine, carriage and wagon restoration sheds, a loco turning facility, plus a possible new station serving the WSR.
Arguably the most important project ever launched by the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA), development of the Norton Fitzwarren site is seen as a long-term, 20-year solution to the highly successful heritage line’s space problems which are now restricting growth and new business opportunities.
The West Somerset Railway Association has 3,500 members who provide volunteer labour and monetary support for the West Somerset Railway plc which runs the steam railway operation between Bishops Lydeard, Nr Taunton and Minehead – at 20 miles, the longest heritage line in the country.
Over recent years the WSR has seen a dramatic growth in the number of passengers carried and, for the third year in a row, it set a new all-time record carrying over 187,000 passengers in 2003.
The railway has established itself as one of the biggest tourist attractions in Somerset and it is now officially estimated that the railway contributes over £6m to the local economy each year.
The WSR currently suffers from a lack of suitable available land all along its current 20-mile running line. The facilities mooted are seen as essential to ensure the secure future of the railway and the well being of its historic locomotives and rolling stock.
The proposed development site is triangular in shape. It is bounded on one side by the WSR’s largely unused running line to Norton Fitzwarren where it connects with the main Network Rail lines at the former junction station, and on the other by the long closed former branch line to Barnstaple, plus an adjacent lane to Allerford.
The WSRA is now progressing matters towards a full application for planning permission being submitted to the local authority in 2004. The aim will be to develop the land for railway use that will enable the WSR to provide suitable facilities to support its tremendous growth in recent years.
It is anticipated that any future development would also provide good quality engineering jobs in the area for staff engaged in the repair and maintenance of heritage locomotives, trains and railway items.
Securing this large area of land which enjoys full access to the WSR would give sufficient space to develop new projects, such as a much needed turning facility, so that steam locos can face the right direction as required.
For example, if built, the new facilities would or are likely to be used by operators of heritage steam and diesel charter trains on the mainline network in the South West of England, so the development will have far reaching strategic benefits for a wider area as well as the WSR itself.
If approved, this exciting development would take a number of years to take shape so more detailed planning work will now be undertaken by the WSRA and WSR plc to establish exactly what facilities will or are likely to be built at Norton Fitzwarren and how they will be funded.
Having secured the land, and thanks to its charitable status, the WSRA would be eligible to apply for grant aid and Heritage Lottery funding to help develop railway facilities.
Commenting on the announcement, WSRA Chairman Humphrey Davies said: "Securing this land at Norton Fitzwarren -- which has full access to the West Somerset Railway’s running lines -- will give us sufficient space so that we might develop a number of vital new heritage railway facilities that will boost tourism and create jobs."
He continued, "It is the biggest project this association has ever undertaken and will take time to implement, but we hope everyone will share and support our obvious enthusiasm for the project.
"This exciting development would ensure that the West Somerset Railway not only continues to be the longest main line Heritage Railway in the country but also the very best one too."
Issued on behalf of the WSRA by
Don Bishop, WSRA Public Relations Officer
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