Plans to try and combat local congestion by reinstating Radstock’s railway are moving forward, reported Mayor of Radstock, Cllr Rupert Bevan, at Monday’s Town Council meeting.

He said that plans to reinstate the Radstock Branch of the Great Western Railway were “definitely off of the bottom rung, as we now have the support from both B&NES and Mendip Councils.” He warned that whilst there is a lot work to do, work is currently being carried out on putting together planning proposals.

He said: “There is enough room to put light railway into Frome and then to Westbury. The fact that the roads are choked regularly means that these proposals would be very welcome indeed.”

The North Somerset Railway, a community interest company, says it is now in a position to progress the work, with a train operating company running the service, with possible optional heritage services. Cllr Bevan also hinted that WECA money could be very useful for the project, should it be made available.