Campaigners are hoping a train link between Taunton and Minehead could be back on the rails with growing support from Minehead Rail Link Group and the Lib Dems. The party’s campaigners in the new constituency of Tiverton and Minehead met with the rail group to hear their plea for a train service between Minehead and Taunton.
Minehead Rail Link Group campaigner David Latimer said: “We want to keep the historic steam trains – but at the same time, it would be life-changing for Minehead, Watchet and Williton if people could use a regular, reliable and speedy service to get to and from Taunton – and the rest of the rail network.”
Liberal Democrat candidate Rachel Gilmour said: “Improving public transport is absolutely vital to improve people’s prospects along the coastal strip. The A39 road isn’t fit for purpose, and the bus service which links it to Taunton is often too crowded to pick up further passengers – especially on changeover days at Butlin’s.”
The West Somerset Railway, which operates the current steam service has discussed the idea before, but it has been dismissed as unworkable without an injection of national funds to upgrade the railway – something the local Lib Dems, and the rail campaigners, would love to see happen.
Somerset Council, which owns the railway’s land, has begun negotiations with Network Rail and Great Western Railway to provide a service. A trial in 2019, which linked Taunton to the West Somerset Railway’s terminus at Bishop’s Lydeard, was very popular. Now, with a general election in the offing, the campaigners are keeping their hopes alive.
ENDS
PHOTO CAPTION
Liberal Democrat candidate Rachel Gilmour on Minehead Station with Rail Link campaigners including David Latimer (right)
Promoted by David Wulff on behalf of Rachel Gilmour (Liberal Democrats) both at 8-9 Mountbatten Road, Tiverton, EX16 6SW.
