THE association this week confirmed it had appointed chartered architect and former transport planner Robin Coombes to oversee a full review of the group's aims and objectives.

Mr Coombes will act as the review's independent chairman and has past knowledge of the rail and bus industry, as well as the heritage sector.

He also has extensive experience in assisting organisations find solutions and make decisions to resolve disputes.

Members of the association agreed to carry out the review following calls from dissatisfied members at the group's annual meeting in May.

The association said Mr Coombes was not a member of the WSRA and had no links with any other group based on the railway.

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Coombes said: "I am very pleased to have been charged with this task.

"I do not underestimate the strength of feeling involved on all sides but am confident that I can lead a review process that will be useful to the association and the railway as a whole.

"I will conduct the review in a completely independent manner and my aim is to look beyond personalities at the deeper issues underlying the current climate.

"The review will be thorough and I expect the review panel to be formed and begin work within the next two weeks."

The association said the review would follow the letter of the resolution passed at the general meeting.

Association chairman Peter Chidzey said: "The trustees are pleased to have secured a person of Robin Coombes' experience and calibre to undertake this review and we look forward to working proactively with him and others involved in the process."

One of his first tasks will be to write to representatives from a number of other organisations – including the West Somerset Railway plc - to invite them to form a review panel.

Submissions will then be made to the panel in writing, with interviews taking place based on the submissions received.

As well as the association and the railway PLC, representatives from the WSRA Reform Group and West Somerset Steam Railway Trust will also be invited to join the panel.

The association said full details of how written submissions could be made would be announced shortly.

It is hoped the first meeting could take place within the next two weeks, with updates on the work of the group given at regular intervals.