I note the recent letter in the Free Press regarding the issue of a rail link from Minehead to Taunton (Your Letters April 26).

It should be noted that the infrastructure is there, opened in 1862-1874 and built by people with vision, enterprise and hard work to provide a transportation service for the people of Minehead and the stations in between.

That is the heritage we must respect and use it for the purpose for which it is intended.

Times have changed, technology has changed, but the need for a working railway has not. Perhaps now the need is even greater as we cannot continue to clog our inadequate and overcrowded roads to the detriment of our environment.

There are of course operating and technical issues to be worked out - and indeed financial issues too, as well as preserving the character of the West Somerset Railway.

I am sure with the addition of a little creative and constructive input it can be done.

Other areas of the country have found a way to utilise existing infrastructure - for example, an existing railway track has been used to provide a tram link from Wimbledon to East Croydon where it comes out onto the street and runs through the centre of the town - and a very pleasant ride it is too!

The West Somerset Railway has done an impressive job in preserving the line, but by working together more may yet be possible!

Oliver Harvey, Blenheim Road, Minehead