The Government is being asked to pay for a business case setting out plans to use part of a heritage branch line in Somerset for a park and ride service.

A Strategic Outline Business Case has been submitted by Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway PLC. If it went ahead, an hourly park and ride service would use the Minehead branch as far as Bishops Lydeard, which is the normal terminus of heritage trains from Minehead.

The plan proposes the development of Bishop Lydeard as a park-and-ride hub for commuters and tourists, with hourly trains running from Taunton throughout the year which would be co-ordinated with buses, particularly on routes around Taunton. 

There would also be ‘scope’ to run some trains through to Minehead in the future.

The Business Case has been developed in co-operation with Great Western Railway and Network Rail, and Somerset Council said it has received ‘strong backing’ from local MPs and other councils, as well as tourism and heritage organisations in the region.

The Council said it has asked for a ‘modest funding package’ of £137,000 to prepare the Full Business Case.

Somerset Council’s lead member for transport and waste services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: ‘We are excited about the potential of this project to provide a significant transport link to our local communities and while doing so preserve a vital piece of our heritage. This initiative will enhance connectivity, support our environmental goals, and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.’

West Somerset Railway chair Jonathan Jones-Pratt added: ‘We are extremely grateful to the team who have developed and supported this project. We await the opportunity to develop the final business case and if successful this will play a key part in the West Somerset Railway’s future.’