WEST Somerset's biggest heritage tourist attraction has drawn up an ambitious blueprint in a bid to guarantee its position as a major player in the local economy over the next decade. The West Somerset Railway has published its first ten-year corporate plan that sets out its vision for the future, the challenges it faces, the developments it hopes to bring to fruition and the success it hopes to achieve between now and 2023. The document, the result of an extensive process of consultation and engagement with a wide range of WSR railway interests and stakeholder organisations, highlights seven strategic priorities. These include drawing up a comprehensive plan for strategic site development at Bishops Lydeard, further recruitment, retention and development of volunteers and the development of commercial services and improved commercial performance. In addition, the plan outlines a specific focus on heritage and preservation, the maintenance and improvement of sustainable infrastructure, the development of stakeholder partnerships and shared plans and - crucially - the possibility of a full feasibility study into the Taunton to Bishops Lydeard link. WSR chairman John Irven said the plan set out a vision for the plc board and the operation and development of the railway. "It contains a wide range of proposals, plans and aspirations to maintain the West Somerset Railway as a vibrant preserved heritage railway together with its contribution to the local tourism and leisure industry," he said. "The plan sets out an ambitious but achievable direction of travel for the railway over the next few years." Mr Irven said the plc board was confident that it had the support of the majority of organisations involved with the WSR, together with the major external partners, in seeking to deliver the plan. "We are looking forward to making progress in seeking to maintain the sustainability of the railway and enhancing its appeal and attractiveness to enthusiasts and the general public alike." Key to the WSR's future is a continued drive to seek an extension to its operating lease or have first refusal to buy the freehold of the 22-mile line - an issue which caused such division earlier this year when it appeared owner Somerset County Council was preparing to sell it to the West Somerset Railway Association. The WSR will now focus on developing a three-year business plan - also its first - which would be implemented from 2015 onwards. The full plan can be viewed at http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk">www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.