TRAINS running through from Cardiff to Minehead could help save West Somerset's struggling economy, according to a new campaign group and they say the idea is gathering momentum.


The head of Minehead's Chamber of Commerce Alex de Mendoza has teamed up with former railway tour company owner David Latimer to start up a new Community Line to co-exist with the heritage railway and Mr de Mendoza says the project is getting positive feedback.


Mr de Mendoza gave a presentation at Minehead Town Council last week where he described the plan as a 'no-brainer'.


"Since becoming head of the Chamber of Commerce I have signed up 130 business owners to the chamber, and all but three of them have said they were in favour of having the railway re-opened.


"It seems ridiculous to have trains which come all the way from Cardiff to Taunton then sit at the station for half an hour before heading back," he said.


"Every second train could come through to Minehead to provide a valuable service for local people and tourists coming into the area."


In his presentation Mr de Mendoza highlighted that the trains would be good for bringing in tourists, could be used by commuters and students and would reduce traffic on the roads.


"West Somerset’s economy is being held to ransom. The current service only provides for tourists who are already here, but we want to bring in more tourists," he added.


"Just the other week 500 people hopped on a special charter train at Paddington and came all the way through to Minehead, then they walked along the seafront and down the high street.


"They spent their money and hopefully went away thinking what a beautiful area this is, and that there is more to Minehead than just Butlins. It was one of the best days of the year for the high street and needs to happen more often."


Mr de Mendoza and Mr Latimer say that the railway between Minehead and Taunton would not need major work as it is already maintained to a high standard and that the journey time to Taunton could be less than an hour.


West Somerset Railway manager Paul Conibeare highlighted some of the obstacles that need to be overcome to make this happen.


"We have had several meetings with Mr Mendoza, and we have made it perfectly clear, we are hoping to conduct a pre-scoping report on re-connecting the line from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard only, which we hope to trial in 2016/17," Mr Conibeare said.


"We hope that this will go ahead and we have support from Somerset County Council but we are realistic and know there are no blank cheques going.


"It will be very difficult for the Community Line to be set up when we are sitting on a very long lease from Somerset County Council which will not run out for another 73 years."


Mayor of Minehead Cllr Jean Parbrook said that anything which gets people off the roads is welcome, but it has to be affordable.


"People have been talking about this for many years, but it sounds as though Mr Mendoza has some good ideas and I hope it could improve transport for Minehead and West Somerset.


"I do worry about the costs, obviously it is all aspirational at the moment. It is something I support in principle but myself and the councillors will have to wait until more details are available before looking into spending taxpayers’ money."


Those interested in finding out more about the project should email contact@mineheadchamberofcommerce.co.uk.