THE replacement of the level crossing on Minehead’s Seaward Way should be treated as a matter of ‘absolute priority’ and any delay beyond July could cause serious problems for the town’s traders, the local MP said this week.

Ian Liddell-Grainger called for the speedy resolution of a deadlock over restoring train services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, and said it was vital the West Somerset Railway and Somerset County Council agree an early start to the £1 million project.

The crossing has to be improved because of the high volumes of traffic now using the road. In future – instead of being automatically activated by an approaching train – the barriers will be operated from Minehead signal box.

The work has received the approval of the Office of Rail and Road but until it can be carried out the crossing remains out of service, causing severe movement restrictions on the line.

Railway officials say as an interim measure they are hoping to run trains as far as Dunster with a shuttle coach system operating onwards to Minehead – though only for passengers who have booked seats.

“After the current extended lockdown, tourism businesses in Minehead are going to need every last penny to see them through the rest of the year – and surviving without the income generated by the railway is merely going to add to that challenge” Mr Liddell-Grainger said.

“It’s regrettable it has taken so long to resolve this issue when the inadequacy of the current crossing has been known about for so long but I would really urge both sides now to treat this matter as an absolute priority.

“A shuttle service from Dunster is a stop-gap measure but is unlikely to attract anything like the same number of passengers who would use a service running all the way through to Minehead.

“And any delays beyond July in getting the work completed are going to spell some very serious problems for Minehead’s traders.”

In reply, a Somerset County Council spokesman said: “Work on the £1 million upgrade to the Seaward Way level crossing is progressing well.

“The state-of-the art new control box is complete and ready to be installed and, following approval of the plans by the Office of Road and Rail, the main railway network contractor is liaising with West Somerset Railway to complete the installation of the new barrier system at the earliest possible date.

“All parties are aware of the urgency and are working hard to ensure that the works are completed in time for the full lifting of Covid-related restrictions.”