THE West Somerset Railway has appointed Jonathan Jones-Pratt as its acting chairman for the next three months.
Mr Pratt, who became a WSR director earlier this month, is well-known on both the WSR and within the heritage railway sector through his ownership of two steam locos -former GWR engines No 4936 Kinlet Hall and No 7027 Thornbury Castle.
The appointment was made to provide a period of stability for the rest of this year and to provide a clear leadership focus for its business recovery plan, which is needed to both reduce costs and seek to improve visitor numbers.
The WSR board also discussed the need to make a long-term appointment as chairman and intends to advertise for a suitable and permanent candidate as soon as possible.
In recognising that the WSR is facing a number of issues over the next few months, the board will be holding staff consultation meetings in early November in order to improve communication with personnel and work collectively to deal with challenges.