WSR Williton Expansion

Can anyone connected with the West Somerset say whether the new land acquired, the "concrete yard", is just for siding space, or are there longer term plans for covered accommodation on the site?

46118

 

In June 2008, the WSR Association announced: "Agreement reached on Sherrings Yard at Williton. The West Somerset Railway Association is pleased to announce that after a period of careful negotiations with S D Sherring and Sons owners of the former Hansons Concrete Works at Williton a Licence Agreement for the use of the site has been signed in order to develop the engineering business by West Somerset Restoration. The Licence Agreement is a part of the process prior to obtaining a 10 year Lease Agreement that will be signed shortly. Over the next few weeks a thorough survey of the site will be undertaken in preparation for the compilation of plans showing track work, buildings and storage facilities. In addition plans are being developed to identify and apply for the funding required to help carry this work forward."

Steve
(WSW)

 

Thanks Steve. Information appreciated.

Looks like a nice big space to develop!

46118

 

Any new space is good news, as we're decidedly lacking in siding space.
Steve, is there any newson the plan to extend the up platform line through the bridge, & at the same time provide water columns between the roads! And while were at it, how about the footbridge!
Other railways can do it, so why not us.

 

Yes, the re-instatement of the southern end of the loop is planned, including the new bridge span over the stream. There is a fine article in the latest WSR Journal covering the associated signalling changes some of which are already underway.

The latest on the footbridge (ex-Trowbridge) is that, this month, engineers are due to inspect the ground where the footbridge foundations will go. There was a brief update on the footbridge in the October newspage on www.wsr.org.uk

Steve
(WSW)

 

Thanks Steve, is there truth in the rumour that you're going to re-instate water columns at either end of the station? Or just one? If so this would be a big asset to tank engines at certain times. Why was the column taken out if use there anyway?

 

Water columns at Williton? That's news to me! If I recall correctly, the column that lay in the six foot (or whatever the distance is in Broad Gauge money) for some time, was never installed. The water tower at Williton (Minehead end) was removed years ago and is now at Minehead. In the "old days", all steamers on up trains would stop for water at that tower, with the train well short of the platform, and it was necessary for the Guard to walk the train beforehand warning passengers for Williton not to get out (fall out!) during the water stop. As I did a lot of guarding back then, I was glad when that caper stopped.

Steve
(WSW)

 

I think that now , a couple of water columns each end of the station, would be a good idea, done with this other work maybe.

 

A water column at Williton would help at the Gala's especially with late running and small visiting tank engines.

 

good to see some hard facts on the Concrete Yard....(getting my coat)

 

Anyone know when the work is likely to start?

 

Jim, Which particular work do you mean?

John

 

The work likely to start first I was thinking of, the Sherrings yard or 'concrete yard' .Anything else will be a bonus!

 

Work has started at the old Sherrings Yard (not sure what the accepted name is for this yard). There's a recent update on the Heritage Carriages Project part of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website - see http://www.wssrt.co.uk/hcpnews.htm for details.



The yard can be seen (during its past life as a concrete works) on Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...7521,-3.310758&spn=0.001675,0.004823&t=h&z=18
between the word "Roughmoor" and the long Swindon Shed.

As I understand it, I believe the new sidings are planned to connect to the existing siding in the North Yard (shown on Google Maps with the blue-tarpaulined coach just to the north of the Swindon Shed).

Steve
WSW

 

Why is it that other railways seem to get grants & lottery funding for all these 'infrastructure' jobs , but you never hear about any grants for the WSR? As I said , other railways can do it, why not us?

 

Well, I can think of one! The turntable project was part of a £6M funding package (for the former car park area adjacent to Minehead Station) from Somerset County Council, South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), European Regional Development Fund...and the West Somerset Railway. None of the funding happened without a lot of hard work by WSR folks. I'm sure there have been other grants to WSR and its affiliated groups.

Steve
WSW

 

Yes, I see what you mean.

 

Whats the situation with Gareth leaving? Anyone lined up to replace him?

 

See news item at: http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm
and also a full application at: http://www.wsra.org.uk/

It could be you!

Steve
(WSW)

 

It's deja vu all over again !