The land purchase at Norton Fitzwarren has been met with much enthusiasm by members who see this project as one of the most exciting developments for many years

The procurement of the thirty-three acres of land outline in the sketch map gives the opportunity ti implement many of the infrastructure improvements needed to allow the Railway to expand, and to remain the longest and one of the most successful standard gauge heritage railways in the country. The West Somerset Railway Association Board together with the Compnay Board are committed to working together to the benefit of the Railway as a whole.

Currently, having instructed planning consultants to work on our behalf, we are going forward to obtain the necessary planning permission to change the use of the land from agricultural to Heritage Railway use. This will entail many lengthy meetings with local authorities, environmental groups, highways agencies and many other parties to ensure all is in order to reach our objective. It will not be a "quick fix" exercise, but it is hoped we may have completed the exercise by the end of 2004. We ask members to be patient whilst this important aspect of the project is implemented.

A planning brief has been drawn up for the consultation meetings, which identifies certain key items which the Board believes should be important ingredients to the success of the plan. These include a locomotive turning triangle and loco servicing facilities for the Railway as a whole, but also available for use by other train operators working onto the West Somerset from the main line network. We also envisage a carriage storage siding (possibly with a carriage shed, though this is not a certainty) and a station. An opportunity to obtain some track work has been taken and this is currently stored at sites along the line.

Correspondence from members, as well as being delighted with the acquisition, has given the opportunity for individuals to submit their "wish list" of what they would like to see developed on the land. The Association Board welcomes all practical suggestions from members, and asks you to forward them to me, where they will be logged for future consideration.

The big factor in the equation is going to be finance. The development will take place over the next ten to fifteen years, progress being determined by the rate at which we can generate the necessary funds. We will keep members informed of how we intend to finance the project in due course.

In the short term, we have taken action to seed the area for grass, which can generate some revenue, and a number of access requirements are being implemented which were required under the purchase agreements. Until Planning Permission has been granted, we will only be accessing the site for maintenance, and as such should be considered out of bounds to all but authorised personnel.

Finally, may I express my grateful thanks to all members who have pledged donations towards the project already; your generosity is hugely appreciated.

Humphrey Davies
Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association

26 August 2004 
Details from WSRA