WORK is ongoing into a feasibility report on connecting the West Somerset Railway between Bishops Lydeard and Taunton.

The Bishops Lydeard Link Group has been formed to consider the possibility of creating the four-mile link.

Paul Connibeare, WSR general manager, says the most common question asked since the railway opened in 1976 has been “when will the railway be offering services to Taunton?”

He said: “We’re not necessarily looking at a regular commuter service all year, but maybe connecting to Taunton via Bishops Lydeard during holiday periods.

“I can’t see any reason why we can’t bring tourists from Cardiff or London to visit the steam trains.

“It certainly wouldn’t be in competition with the existing bus service.”

Plans are also being discussed to improve facilities at Bishops Lydeard station, which would help with the preservation and maintenance of the train engines and rolling stock.