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• The Somerset County Council have issued the following press release...
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On 28 June, Somerset County Council, West Somerset Railway and Network Rail are celebrating the launch of new signal equipment that will enable more trains to operate from Taunton to Minehead than ever before - bringing increased number of visitors and economic benefits to Somerset.
A Special train will mark this special occasion which will set off from Taunton at 10.31, stopping at stations including Bishops Lydeard where it will drive through a ‘Destination Somerset’ banner, Crowcombe, Williton, Watchet, Blue Anchor before arriving in Minehead at 12:10.
The signal equipment located in Norton Fitzwarren was installed by Network Rail and was undertaken in conjunction with the Silk Mills Project which saw a new bridge open in Taunton in April.
This £14.5 million project funded the upgrading of the signalling system from freight to passenger standards at a cost of approximately £325,000. It was funded by Somerset County Council’s Local Transport Plan, West Somerset District Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council.
Somerset County Council and West Somerset Railway are currently conducting discussions with First Great Western, who run the franchise for the West Country, to explore the possibility of implementing a regular service, enabling more visitors than ever before to access West Somerset via rail travel.
Cllr Paul Buchanan, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development said, “The development of Somerset’s rural economy is a key corporate priority for Somerset County Council. We hope that the significant investment that Somerset County Council has made, combined with the support we have received from Network Rail, will mean that the possibility of a more regular service is now more of a reality than ever before.”
Paul Conibeare, (who has his Birthday on the same day!)General Manager of West Somerset Railway said, “The new signal equipment will allow us to attract visitors from further a field - from Taunton, Bristol, London or from across the world. This enables us to further promote Somerset as a key destination. Previously we have been only able to run six trains per year but with First Great Western on board, we hope there will be new opportunities for growth. We are grateful to the support from Somerset County Council in making this happen.”
Robbie Burns, Network Rail’s Western Route Director said, “This project has been a great opportunity for us to work with key stakeholders and deliver an important project for the local community in such short timescales.”
Taunton – Arrives 10.31, Leaves 10.34
Bishops Lydeard – Arrives 10.53, Leaves 11.05
Crowcombe – Arrives 11.15, Leaves 11.21
Williton – Arrives 11.36
Watchet – Arrives 11.40
Blue Anchor – Arrives – 11.54
Minehead – Arrives 12.10, Leaves 13.40
Provided by West Somerset Railway Plc
21 June 2006
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Railway Signals Return...
