WEST Somerset Railway will shut its line and cease all operations for the first three months of next year after a report from a Government rail safety body, were told this week.

The announcement, made by WSR plc acting chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt in a letter to shareholders, staff and volunteers, means there will be no trains from January 2 until April 1, resulting in the cancellation of the annual Spring Gala and the Atlantic Coast Express event.

There will also be no trains during the schools’ spring half-term holiday in February -a major source of early-year tourist revenue.

The move follows an inspection by the Office of Rail and Road, the Government body responsible for maintaining railway safety standards.

Mr Jones-Pratt said that as a result of the findings, the railway had received a letter from the ORR saying that, while it had been allowed to retain its licence to operate, there were “a significant number of important actions to take”.

He added: “We will be receiving a follow-up visit from the ORR inspector in March to ensure the various actions have been undertaken.”

The chairman said that the closure was regarded as “essential” and that the work recommended by ORR would ensure the long-term future of the railway.

For the full story, buy today’s Free Press.