• ON 24 March 2004 the Board of the West Somerset Railway Association announced ambitious new proposals to boost tourism and further develop the southern end of the West Somerset Railway through the purchase of 33 acres of land at Norton Fitzwarren.

The purchase of the land is the first step towards a proposed development of the area to support the future growth and prosperity of the WSR as one of the West Country’s major tourist attractions. The Association has aspirations to discuss the venture with relevant interested bodies with a view to gaining planning permission from the local authority to enhance the area for “Heritage Railway Development”. The land has full access to the existing West Somerset Railway line running between Bishops Lydeard and the connection to the national network at Norton Fitzwarren Junction.

Subject to planning authority approval, it is hoped that the 33-acre site will, eventually, not only provide vitally needed new railway servicing facilities, but would also lead to new engineering jobs for the area. The land provides sufficient space to install a turning triangle – to enable locomotives and rolling stock to be turned where necessary – and, eventually, it is hoped would include locomotive, carriage and wagon restoration sheds, plus a possible new station serving the WSR.

Arguably the most important project ever launched by the West Somerset Railway Association – the line’s principal support organisation – 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.

Click here for the full text of the WSRA press release confirming the land purchase announcement.