On the subject of the proposed rail service to Taunton, David Latimer, representing the Minehead Rail Link Group, wrote in last week’s Free Press: “There has been much unrealistic speculation from a small band of what I might call steam train purists who are desperate to keep regular diesel trains off our local line at any cost”, and later: ”Steam and diesel can work together and complement each other”.

I believe that these two remarks do not hold up under scrutiny.

Strangely, It would appear that he does not visit the station or has managed to overlook the fact that for many years the latter event has happened.

This year, for much of the season, there has been at least one diesel service each way every day and at times two.

The WSR usually holds a diesel gala weekend and a mixed traction gala weekend in most years.

Also, the Diesel and Electric Group which has been involved in preservation, has been based at Williton for over 30 years.

Last month marked the 50th anniversary of the last British Railway mainline steam haulage. Hence, anyone taking an interest in railways would now be well into their 60s to have followed their hobby with mainline steam.

Many heritage sites, like the WSR, have diesels on their books and I believe that the bulk of modern enthusiasts take an interest in both types, although there is now a reduced interest in steam.

Geoff Bannister, Paganel Rod, Minehead.