The Norton Radstock Regeneration (NRR) is reporting that its project in the centre of the town is now well underway, with development partner, Linden Homes' work on constructing the first phase of new homes gathering pace.

An important part of the work to date has been to conserve the site's remaining historic railway-related infrastructure. Cate Le Grice-Mack, Chair of NRR, said: "While the mainline route will be left intact on the site up to the new housing area, there are four other tracks and complex points and slips that will be removed.

"We felt strongly that this part of the local heritage should not be lost, if at all possible, so we are delighted that we have been able to donate much of the redundant track and key junctions to The East Somerset Railway, based in Cranmore, and the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust, in Midsomer Norton."

Richard Masters, of East Somerset Railway, added: "We are very grateful that, with help from NRR and Linden Homes Western, a significant part of Radstock's railway heritage has been preserved while helping us maintain our own track."

Trevor Hodge, of Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust, who organised the lifting gang, said: "The donation of available track is welcome and we look forward to continuing the operation of heritage rail in the area."

Another element of the historic railway assets in the town that will be rescued as part of the regeneration project, is The Brunel railway shed. Dating from the mid-19th century, NRR say the building will be restored for use as a commercial premises for the local community and become an important feature on the cycleway network, where it enters Radstock from Kilmersdon. Ideas are coming forward about how this area could be used, most recently with the newly formed Somer-Rail Trust, which would like to rebuild and reconnect the rail link and had the Brunel shed in its sights.

Once complete, the regeneration scheme for the town will deliver 190 new homes, new recreational space and business units. B&NES' work to the roads will cease from 1st December – January 6th to help traders over the Christmas period, with roadworks due to be complete in May next year.