WEST Somerset Railway services will finally be back on the rails from tomorrow (Saturday, March 30) after a three-month shutdown. But only half the line – from Bishops Lydeard to Watchet – will be operational.

Costly unexpected track repairs at Blue Anchor has meant that the first steam trains to Minehead will be delayed until Friday, April 19 and has brought an apology from WSR chairman Jon Jones-Pratt.

He said: “We apologise to those who have been inconvenienced or lost business as a result of the extended closure period but we had no choice. We had to undertake some costly, unexpected and time-consuming track works, especially around Blue Anchor.”

Mr Jones-Pratt added that unseen problems had been found at Blue Anchor, including having to order a new points system. But having access to half the line allowed WSR much-needed time to complete the work to the high standard required.

A WSR spokesman said that Mr Jones-Pratt will be crewing the Raveningham Hall locomotive when it hauls the first train of the season out of Bishops Lydeard tomorrow.

He said it had been a “race against time” to undertake major infrastructure works costing some £170,000, overhaul staff training, competence and compliance systems, and sort out finances during the three month closure.

The Office of Rail & Road (ORR) had visited the railway on Friday (March 22) for an audit of progress made by the WSR for changes in governance, regulatory compliance, mechanical and infrastructure improvements since the ORR’s last inspection in October 2018.

Mr Jones-Pratt said: “The ORR inspectors were very impressed by all the massive progress across the board that we have made during a relatively short period, and I’m delighted they gave us a clean bill of health to re-open this coming weekend.

“It is a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, contractors and supporters to whom we owe a great debt of thanks."

For the full report, buy the Free Press today (March 29).