Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 10th Anniversary: Looking To The Past & Future

Calculations show that the various L&B bodies now own just under a quarter of the original track bed.

 

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk...aple-Railway/story-27931895-detail/story.html

David R

 

More news from Exmoor Associates.......

Exmoor Associates is calling for volunteers to participate in a Working Weekend on 24th/25th October at the Snapper Halt trackbed.

Work includes removal of debris from the River Yeo and repairs to the river bank, the reinstatement of an item of platform furniture, preparation of the footpath between the platform and public highway making it ready for resurfacing, removal and storage of the obsolete fencing from the top field for use elsewhere, plus various tasks relating to the vegetation problems. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. Click below for further information.

See >>> http://www.exmoor-associates.co.uk/2015/10/call-for-volunteers-for-a-work-weekend-24th25th-october/

Chris

 

Exmoor Associates have today announced the purchase of an estimated 407 yard (18½ chains) section of trackbed between Collard Bridge (Bridge 18) and Northleigh Bridge (Bridge 19).

See >>> http://www.exmoor-associates.co.uk/2015/10/new-trackbed-purchase-opposite-collard-bridge-farm-october-2015/

Chris

 

Excellent news! Hopefully the Trust will also be successful soon with some trackbed for Phase 2.

 

Yea, that's my primary concern too, getting through Paracombe

 

Various hints have been in recent members' newsletters that the Trust may be able to announce some important acquisitions of trackbed in the nearish future. Maybe such announcements are waiting for planning permission to be given - I guess we won't want to commit funds if the PP is delayed or meets unexpected glitches?

 

My impression is that it is a case of legal folk dotting teas and crossing eyes...

Mike

 

Railway Herald refers to Fair View at Parracombe which is on with Rightmove for 45oK. I'm sure I've seen it on the market some months ago but it seems well overpriced to me..

However, there are a couple of pics of the old trackbed, nicely mowed, on Rightmove website..

 

I guess the real problem is the bungalow that was built across the track bed. Hopefully the new owners of Fair View could be persuaded to sell their track bed, at least the house doesn't need to be knocked down!

 

Now reduced to £425k. Still seems a lot.

 

Why don't the L & B buy Fair View and swap it (less the trackbed) for the bungalow and a balancing payment?..

 

I guess because:

It's overpriced

There is no guarantee that the occupants of the bungalow wish to move?

 

Are you lending the L&B the £425k ?


Keith

 

I believe the bungalow is rented out. The L & B could make the owner a tempting offer and the bungalow site could sustain the railway and a row of, say, six two-storey 'affordable' cottages; carparking being moved downstream a bit.

It should stack up financially and avoid any compulsory purchase malarkey..

 

They should only need a bridging loan and then mortgage it; rental income covering the mortgage until any other deal is done.

 

Nah - cp the bejaybers out of 'em!

 

You make it sound sooo easy - just borrow half a million pounds and hope that all parties play ball.


Keith

 

Wait till they've gone out for the day, and pop the rails down! They'll soon move if Lyn is thundering thru the living room with the Woody Bay to Wistlandpound express!!!

 

Serious point would be how much would be needed to tempt the owner to sell? If Fair View is asking 425,000, then the bungalow should be worth quite a bit less than that (Google Street view will show you the bungalow - not a very impressive building). But I suppose the owner will ask way over market value knowing the railway needs it.....?