RAILWAY enthusiasts have been accused of ignoring highway and country codes and their own safety as they pursue their passion along West Somerset's heritage line.

High profile events on the West Somerset Railway - like the recent Spring Steam Gala - regularly attract hoards of train buffs, many of whom line the lanes along the 20-mile track from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.

But this week West Somerset Council chairman Cllr Eddie May, who represents Williton on the authority, warned that the enthusiasts were "living dangerously".

"I am very worried about the way some of the train spotters act in our area when there is a special train weekend," said Cllr May.

"Don't get me wrong, West Somerset survives on tourism and the trains are a big attraction.

"The problem I have, and the many people who have contacted me, are that the spotters ignore the highway code, the country code and their own safety.

"What worries me is the way they park their vehicles and stand on blind spots.

"But most worrying is that, nationally, we are always being asked to keep children off railway lines and yet we are seeing adults with cameras walking the lines to get a good position.

"How long will it be before a fatality occurs? I don't want to stop these spotters visiting this area - all I am asking is that they observe the country code and act safely for all concerned."

Paul Conibeare, WSR general manger, said the concerns had already been brought to the attention of the company and it had taken action.

A warning about driving carefully along West Somerset's lanes when following trains was posted by the company on an unofficial WSR website on Tuesday - the day after the end of the steam gala.

Mr Conibeare said the website, set up by a WSR supporter, had been chosen because it was heavily used by enthusiasts.

He said there had apparently been a few 'near misses' between vehicles in the Nethercott area between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe and local people had rightly asked the railway to remind its supporters and visitors to drive with extra care and attention and to show respect for local people and the local way of life.

"We are very conscious of the need to be good neighbours and we are aware of the concerns that have been raised," said Mr Conibeare.

"We will be building this advice into our leaflets, souvenir programmes and other literature."

Mr Conibeare said the recent gala had been a huge success, attracting more than 8,000 people to West Somerset: "Virtually every B and B was filled up, which is a terrific boost to the area."