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 Press Release from WSR Plc 28 June 2003

In his address to the AGM of the West Somerset Railway held at the Regal Theatre in Minehead on June 28th the new Company Chairman Chris Austin took the opportunity to look back on another successful year for the WSR and to pay tribute to his predecessor Dennis Taylor.

Mr Austin also expressed concern over the proposed re-siting of the West Somerset District Offices to a site adjacent to Minehead Station:- “ I am concerned that plans to locate council offices next to the station at Minehead may limit access to the station - particularly for passengers with disabilities - and restrict the scope for further development of the station as the Railway grows. Any development needs to recognise the role of the WSR as a principal visitor attraction in West Somerset and to ensure it retains the ability to continue to expand”.

In his comments on the Railway’s progress in 2002 Mr Austin drew attention to the record number of passengers carried (over 172,000), passenger revenue exceeding £1 million for the first time and the particular success of the Catering Department with new ventures such as Cream and Steam and Fish and Chip Special trains. The Company had once again traded profitably and the Chairman saw it as well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future and to weather the storms of the future.

“This strong financial position has been built-up under the leadership of one man”, continued Mr Austin, “ - Dennis Taylor - my predecessor, who over a period of 14 years has led the company from being the “sick man of preservation” in the late 1970’s to being the best heritage railway in Britain today. During this time, he has managed the resources of the company carefully making sure that the bills could be paid, and that enough was available for continued steady expansion and a proper renewal programme of track, bridges and rolling stock. During Dennis’ time the WSR has had security through the 99 year lease of the line that he negotiated and also during his time the capability of the Railway has expanded enormously:-

• Tarmac Shed at Williton used for repairs and overhaul of locomotives and stock
• Expansion of the engine shed at Minehead with EU funding
• The construction and subsequent lengthening of the carriage repair shed
• Signalling at Minehead, Crowcombe and Bishops Lydeard
• Track renewals and bridge waterproofing and maintenance.

Managing this is a real achievement – as I am discovering!”

Mr Austin then turned his attention to the future, both financial and otherwise, of the Railway. “There are many calls on expenditure, and no shortage of people with good ideas for things that really should be done on the Railway. It is very hard to earn the money in the first place. Every year we have to work harder to retain people’s interest, mindful of the fact that our passengers have a choice of many other things to do in the West Country, including other railways to visit. In 2003 the WSR is running all the old favourites but also some new ventures such as a Halloween Special.

He continued “The main concern in my “in-tray” is costs. Everything is costing more and in 2003 two areas of concern are soaring insurance costs and repair schemes such as the Minehead station canopy. This last is essential, difficult, expensive and when complete will not earn a penny of extra revenue for the Railway. Major overhaul of locomotives now costs between £300,000 and £400,000 and this is reflected in the hire charges which their owners rightly expect to receive. There are many other calls on our finances from every part of the WSR. These relentless upward pressures on costs are one of my main concerns for the future but my vision is of a Railway which continues to grow with a strong passenger base that will provide enough income through travel, catering and retailing that enables us to cope with these extra costs and continue to protect and develop this very special railway. It is of a Railway that makes increasing use of its main line connection and encourages new business to our established traffic. Amongst other pressing needs to realise this vision are better maintenance facilities for our irreplaceable fleet of British Railways Mark 1 coaches and more facilities at the Bishops Lydeard end of the line where the growth in demand is coming from.”

For comment on this release contact: Chris Austin or John Simms on 01643 704996