The Chairman of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust, Godfrey Baker, has been informed that the West Somerset Railway Board of Directors have decided not to renew the Trust's lease on the Washford site which expires in 2020.
Mr Baker said "The West Somerset PLC has informed the Trust that it will not be renewing the lease of the Washford Station site following its expiry on 1st May 2020 . The continuing success and growth of the West Somerset Railway mean that it is fast outgrowing its present infrastructure and is looking for more space."
"The Trust's Management Committee will be considering all the options open to it very carefully and has begun the task of reviewing the implications of this development and formulating a strategy to deal with it including consulting with the Trust's membership. In the meantime the Trust will be maintaining all present operations at Washford, including the museum, retail shop, carriage and wagon restoration."
"There is no doubt that this development presents a number of challenges to the Trust . However, the next eight years are a time for a fresh look at the future of the Trust and the opportunities it will bring."
