The Mayor writes:

Some months ago I wrote about the application for approval to reinstate the Radstock – Frome branch of the Great Western Railway.

Whilst the route from Hapsford to Westbury via Frome Market is a well-used mineral line, the disused section from Hapsford to Radstock is the bit that we are interested in. The work would include the installation of a single track with loops at Mells Road, and stations at Frome Market, Mells, Kilmersdon and Radstock. The connecting points at Hapsford would also have to be reinstated.

Our proposals received a lot of positive comment at the Department for Transport but it was suggested that we should put more work into justifying the plan. This is where the general public have a part to play. Anyone driving through the Somer Valley in the morning and evening will be all too aware of the shortcomings of the road system. We must look at our carbon footprint and a scheme for alternative public transport will help to take many private cars off the road, lorries too. By the year 2030 there will be 60,000 residents and currently, 75% of the workforce are travelling out of the area for work.

Environmentalists have suggested that the proposed reinstatement is incompatible with the existing Sustrans path. This is untrue; indeed, improved access to the route afforded by the train will render it more popular and bring tourists and much needed cash into the area.

I should like to ask all residents to think about the proposal, with a view to giving it support. Things may look bleak at the moment but at some point we will emerge into the sunshine and find that a local rail connection will do much to raise the profile of the town.

To make your views known, please visit the North Somerset Railway CIC website at www.northsomersetrailway.com where you will find an online survey.

Rupert Bevan