Ever wondered why there isnt a train service from Radstock up through the Melksham line? Have a look at the link below.
http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/committee_papers/PTandE/990128/31radsto.htmQuotes :
"2.4 That discussions be held with relevant Train Operating Companies to identify the potential for providing passenger services to Radstock, taking account of (a) the findings of the W S Atkins and Railway Consultancy studies carried out on behalf of the Frome/Radstock Rail Steering Group; (b) the steps needed to secure potential OPRAF support; (c) the forthcoming Rail Development Partnership scheme; and (d) the recent moves to establish the `Brunel Link' community railway partnership between Frome and Swindon;"
"5.3 On the issue of the potential demand for rail services the WS Atkins report concluded that a heritage railway could attract some 40,000 visitors a year, increasing in the longer term if the link to Frome is achieved. Assessing the potential demand for conventional passenger service, WS Atkins took a much more pessimistic figure that that put forward by The Railway Consultancy. Both identified the potential for achieving a single return journey between Radstock and Swindon via Westbury, Trowbridge, Melksham and Chippenham. The enhancement of this line is currently being promoted by local communities as the Brunel Link. Whilst The Railway Consultancy took a positive view of its potential, WS Atkins concluded that it is unlikely to be an attractive service and believed that the provision of additional services to serve Radstock would require a substantial operating subsidy that would have to be financed by the local authorities or OPRAF."
"5.4 WS Atkins did not come to a firm conclusion on the potential for rail freight but stressed that to be viable services would have to attract a key bulk customer to form a core business. The BOCM Pauls animal feedmill was identified as a possible customer of this kind."
The North Somerset Railway have so far failed either to provide a heritage or commuter passenger service on the Radstock line (link below.)
http://www.northsomersetrailway.com/index.phpAn attempt by a local company to run freight trains out of Radstock did nearly succeed in 2002 - 2003 , but was scrapped due to the withdrawal of rail freight grant funding. A container train had to be left in storage at Wokingham as a result.
However , with the DfT now spraying rail freight grants around like confetti......(link below.)
http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2478.msg5539#msg5539Maybe they will have another go.
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