THE MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset has encouraged families across the county to help keep the West Somerset Railway on track.

Ian Liddell-Grainger MP met with railway managers and staff on Friday, March 15, when he congratulated staff and volunteers on keeping the heritage line going through tough times. Commenting he said:

“Only a couple of years ago we were gloomily contemplating the possible loss of one of Somerset’s most iconic and cherished tourist attractions”

“But what has been achieved since then is quite remarkable. The stations are looking smart, the rolling stock in very good order - and the staff are as cheerful and positive as one could hope for.

“There is no doubt in my mind that without quite a such a dedicated team of volunteers the railway could not have survived. 

“But now it looks in far better shape I would urge people living along the line to make as much use of it as they can. Every pound in revenue is another pound towards securing the railway’s long-term survival.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said achieving a regular rail link between Taunton and Bishop’s Lydeard, currently the line’s eastern terminus, would open up the possibility of a steady growth in passenger numbers.

“I am aware that discussions are underway with a view to securing an arrangement of that kind and I can only offer my wholehearted support in bringing it about.” 

The comments came ahead of plans to celebrate the railway’s 150th anniversary this year which would see the opening of the railway to Minehead.

The railway is set to open for the season on Saturday, March 23, in time to mark the end of Visit Britain’s ‘Tourism Week’, after the competition of of works over the winter shut down period, including the refurbishment of the museum at Blue Anchor.

Commenting, WSR General Manager Kerry Noble said: “Last year was good year for the railway, we are planning for a bumper season this year as visitors rediscover the jewel that is West Somerset and the best way to do that is from one of our trains.”