S&D Railway Trust

With luck, these testing times might be the catalyst for a solution to this age-old problem.

 

If there is a rustling in the bushes outside we'll know the reason.

The phrase 'damning with faint praise' springs to mind.

I think the problem is that those in power will argue that the crisis means their actions are even more necessary. So you may well see an even bigger power grab rather than a positive change and reform.

 

I received an email (no doubt many others did too) from WSR plc. It contained:-

"This new threat could not be foreseen but without running our services, we are without income."
and
"We could potentially be in a very difficult situation within the next few weeks and your continued support is greatly appreciated."

I have always been a supporter of WSR but the SDRT also received a threat which could not be foreseen (of eviction). I therefore cannot contribute, so for that reason I'm out. Actions always have consequences, one of which is that I have joined the SDRT in solidarity, and any spare funds I may have will go there.

Robin L.

 

I got the same email and replied similarly.

Sent from my SM-T590 using Tapatalk

 

Perhaps a bus-style roller blind might be better...

 

Have you replied to the PLC to tell them that? If all who get the email reply as you both have done it just might make the penny drop...

Keith

 

Yes I have.

Sent from my SM-T590 using Tapatalk

 

THANK YOU and all like you.

 

Excellent!

Keith

 

I have not done so yet... I have been very busy today preparing to be shut indoors for 12 weeks (although Dianne Abbot says 3 months should suffice).

I will do so, but I feel it is rather like pissing into the wind.

Jeremiah 5:21 (‘Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not’)

Or in modern language....There are none so blind as those who will not see. The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know.

Robin L.

 

I would take her words with a large pinch of salt - she's not well known for her grasp of numbers!!

Keith

 

The latest 'lockdown' is already throwing up various conundrums. For example - my wife has to attend regular hospital appointments (still not cancelled - yet - thanks goodness), to which I take her by car. The car was booked into the garage today for some work prior to the next appointment, but they have now closed their workshop - so we shall have to go either by 'bus (if still running) or taxi, thereby increasing our risk of exposure in an unknown environment.

 

I would suggest it is both allowed and sensible but would require common sense to prevail ....... perhaps overly optimistic ?

 

I think it would also depend on the basic level of relations. If trust and respect has broken down to such an extent would a meeting really achieve much.

It would be a fairly humiliating climb down by the PLC board to withdraw the eviction notice and I am not sure given the way they have acted that they are much given to compromise.

Now, of course, it is how you spin it, if the WSR plc were to say something such as in the present circumstances it is desirable to minimize disruption to the line, so therefore we have chosen to withdraw the eviction notice to allow us to concentrate on the survival of the line, this might give some leeway and allow the PLC to be seen in a better light. Everyone is a winner, S&D stay at Washford, WSR gets positive rather than negative publicity and expensive court cases are avoided. The WSR can keep the 7f.

 

Far be it for me to draw attention to the denizens of West Somerset that there is not only a world on the far side of Taunton, but that world is subject of discussion but: ahem. https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/coronavirus-and-related-matters.1417678/

No need to reflect every thread on the forum through a West Somerset mirror when there is little said that is uniquely WSR-specific ... Try the outside world - you might enjoy it (or at least see how the other half live!)

Tom

 

I think @Big Al was referring to meetings of more than 2 people being prohibited by the government and also that some of those people who may attend such a meeting may be in the vulnerable category and therefore should be isolating themselves. Of course such a meeting could take place via phone/skype/teams etc

Keith

 

The situation looks like some personalitity clashes have taken part which will need to be overcome
From public news item the WSR management comes over as a bit aggressive!
https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2020/02/west-somerset-railway-board-statement-regarding-washford.html
But a lot of the dispute seems to be about money?

Maybe if the rent issue could be somehow sorted might help bring the groups back together?

 

I think the question of rent has previously been discussed on here. If that’s the issue, then it’s not clear to me whether the rent is being held down as a form of mutual aid, or whether the level reflects the improvements undertaken by the Trust, or is a genuine commercial rent. I presume that knowledge is locked away within S&DRT and WSR plc heads.

However, it seems strange and distinctly unethical to raise an issue over the level of rent from a sitting tenant by submitting an eviction notice asserting the landlord’s need for the site. It also seems counter productive if the real and actual grounds for notice differ - a clear sign of bad faith.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Grasp of reality more like it.