TWO top board members of West Somerset Railway, including head of safety, have resigned following the announcement the railway will be closed for three months after a safety inspection.

Earlier this week the County Gazette reported West Somerset Railway officials had 'chosen' to close the railway from January until April 1 after an inspection from the Office of Rail and Road found 'significant improvements' needed to be made.

Chairman of West Somerset Railway PLC, Jonathan Jones-Pratt said the closure is 'essential' and changes are needed in 'several fields'.

But the closure isn't the only change facing the railway right now, as two board members have now submitted their resignations.

READ MORE: Events cancelled and closure announced following safety inspection at West Somerset Railway

Rodney Greenway has resigned from the PLC board.

A spokesman said: "The board wish to thank Rodney for all his hard work on the Board and in particular for his work as Director in charge of Volunteer Recruitment where in a short space of time he has led to a real improvement in the way in which volunteers are recruited and where numbers are now starting to increase.

"Rodney’s enthusiasm and expertise have been an asset to the Company, and we thank him for the service which he has provided.

"The Board wish Rodney the very best for the future and hope that his time with the Railway will continue for many more years to come."

Mr Greenway has also resigned his position as volunteer recruitment director.

Ian Coleby has resigned from his role as director on the board, head of safety, chairman and member of the heritage committee and other various positions.

He plans to still use his time to volunteer on the railway, as well as being a trustee of WSR Trust and editor of the WSR Journal.

A spokesman said: "The board wish to thank Ian for all his hard work on the board, its various sub-committees and in his numerous roles including those of head of safety, heritage chairman, company secretary and ultimately chairman of the board, and of course for his 35 years to date, and continuing, as a volunteer.

"Ian will be remembered on the board for his tireless work effort and for his determination to uphold the values of the “One Railway” ideal.

"The board wish Ian the very best for the future and hope that his time with the Railway will continue for many more years to come."

In his letter of resignation, Mr Coleby said: "I joined the board in 2015 and the last three years have been challenging as well as enjoyable. I feel that with the appointment of Jon Jones-Pratt as a very competent and effective chairman, now is the right time to step away and to let fresh faces take the PLC forward. I wish them every bit of luck and I pass on my best wishes for their work in the future. It seems to me that the railway is now in safe hands and I look forward to seeing it grow and prosper in the future.

"I have been a volunteer on the railway for 35 years and I do not intend to give it all up. Paul Whitehouse has confirmed to me that he very much wishes me to continue as editor of the West Somerset Railway Journal, and I intend to do that. I also will remain as a director of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust and I will continue my other volunteering activities with the Steam Rally and with the wagon restoration group and whatever else I am asked to do.

"I wish the whole PLC Board the very best for the future."