SUPPORTERS of the West Somerset Railway (WSR) have taken to social media to say how much they love it… but cannot afford to use it.

Hundreds of comments were left on the Free Press Facebook page after the newspaper reported first how the steam railway lost almost £4,400 per week in the last financial year, and then how regular ticket sales were falling at a time when it needed to see five per cent revenue growth year on year to stay viable.

The figures were in the company’s annual accounts, the last to be written by late chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt, whose death earlier this month shocked the railway community.

Many posts expressed a view that cheaper tickets might attract more passengers, and tried to offer constructive suggestions.

There were calls for more packages, discounts, and vouchers for use in conjunction with trips, and also for the Government tax concessions for heritage railways.

Some highlighted what they saw as timetabling issues, pointing to the first train of the day not arriving in Minehead until after 11.30 am, leaving less time for visiting the resort.

Ashley Holley wrote: “I would happily take some of my elderly clients on the train, the problem is the tickets are simply too expensive.”

Penny Bean said: “A loyalty card scheme with discounts to encourage the regulars and discounted group bookings perhaps will help ticket sales.”

Watchet resident Lucy A. Shaw said: “I have been saying this for years, and many of the comments here echo the same concern, WSR is simply too expensive for many local families.

“Yet, that feedback never seems to translate into meaningful change.

“I hope it is taken seriously before the railway’s future becomes even more uncertain.

“Many businesses adjust their pricing to reflect demand.

“I fully support WSR maximising income during peak season and special events, but when demand is low, surely affordable local fares are worth exploring.

“Empty seats generate no income, while attracting more passengers could also increase spending in the cafés and shops.

“WSR is both a heritage railway and a valued community asset.

“Meaningful offers for local residents could encourage repeat visits and build support throughout the season.

“An annual family option costing £500 is a substantial upfront commitment and hardly an affordable solution for families who simply want the occasional day out.

“We want the railway to succeed.

“That is precisely why this feedback deserves to be heard.”

However, many recognised the issues which had to be juggled by the WSR with the high cost of maintaining a 20-mile track between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard, and soaring coal prices making every steam train expensive to run.

Di Ana, from Combe Martin, said: “Does the public realise just to fire a typical Castle class locomotive with a day’s coal is approximately £1,200, and most days they have two Western engines in steam.”

Mike Green said: “Hopefully, can get through this ok, but sadly it is ‘Catch 22’, need to raise prices to cover increased running costs, but doing so will put off customers.”