RECONNECTING the West Somerset Railway (WSR) to mainline train services in Taunton has been ruled out by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.

Ms Alexander broke the news to West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour during a transport debate in Parliament last week.

The WSR late last year submitted a strategic outline business case (SOBC) to the Government showing the feasibility of restoring the connection between the heritage line and the Paddington to Penzance track.

It asked for £137,000 to work up detailed plans which were being supported by Liberal Democrat-run Somerset Council and said it was possible to have the service up and running before the end of 2026.

Last week, Mrs Gilmour asked Ms Alexander in Parliament if she would would meet her to discuss the merits of restoring the WSR connection.

Mrs Gilmour said: “That would allow students to access the only sixth-form facilities in Taunton, take the pressure off the No 28 bus, and massively improve our ability to entertain more tourists.”

But Ms Alexander said: “I regret to inform her that the Department does not currently have any plans to take forward a development link between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton.

“I have, however, asked officials to reach out to those at the local authority to discuss the merits of the scheme.”

Despite the setback, Mrs Gilmour has again asked the Secretary of State and her Ministers and officials to visit ‘to see our transport issues for themselves’.

Mrs Gilmour said: “Whether it is the poor bus and train services, such as the often overcrowded and frequently late No 28 bus, or the issues with our roads, like the poor state of the A39, the massive A396 diversion, and the long-term B3191 closure, the Government needs to wake up to the realities that our communities face.”