West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Many heritage lines claim that they bring financial rewards to the area they run through, the WSR is no exception. Given that the local economy does have some dependence on the WSR it is surprising that they re not aiming to fulfil that role in the near future. Presumably shortage on money is the reason.
The £500,000 target is still a long way off despite having been running longer than the appeals of many other lines, many of whom have, given their size and infrastructure, been far more successful.

 

If the local economy benefits substantially from an active WSR then perhaps those heading up such interests might consider underwriting any losses incurred in running a pre agreed level of service?

 

They are also likely to be on their beam ends.

 

Yes and then there is Butlins......when folk can't get to Benidorm...….

 

Presumably, in the 21st. century, most visitors to Butlins arrive by their own car. Many may prefer to sight-see using their car, based on the restrictions offered by the railway.
It does seem that some tourist attractions and small businesses - food and souvenir - are closing permanently rather than struggling and realising the potential for their bankruptcy is large.

 

Well, the WSR needs to talk to Butlins and nicely too i.e. no swearing.

 

Except that at present, although you are allowed to make journeys for leisure and pleasure (but avoiding public transport), you are not allowed to spend the night away from your main residence. So no week at Butlins then.

 

The recent stellar financial performance and self-congratulation appears to be built on sand. It would appear that someone has forgotten to pay a sizeable sum to the WSRA for Promotions. More details will be in the public domain before long.

 

Yes Butlins MHD closed until 16th July but then sections of the self catering holiday trade are expecting to be able to open for business from 4th July. The pressure to allow stays away will be hard for the Government to resist as the traditional summer peak approaches unless the downward trends become upward ones again.

 

Judging from the letter received today from the WSRA's Acting Chairman, no doubt it will soon become 'hot news' on here

I don't understand all the 'ins and outs' of the matter, but at face value it does seem IMHO to be yet another example where the Plc appear to be trying to do everything by its own rules and ignore the usual conventions (eg honour your contracts, pay your bills etc). It really does not put them in a good light....

 

It's quite straightforward.....

You both agree to implement a recommendation from Coombes
You agree a transfer value of the assets that the charity must receive if it is to comply with fiduciary obligations.
The assets are moved
Payment is settled.

Failure to comply with the above raises questions of trust and fitness to hold a position of responsibility.

Edited to add that the letter from the WSRA is excellent. It's clear, well presented and measured. Well done MS !

 

I would normally expect the transfer to have taken place at the point of payment so must ask why this wasnt done.

Similarly I cannot understand why the PLC didnt take any of the options avalible, as a 'for example' I dont know what a MK1 TSO is worth but passing them to the WSRA, who could then maintain them for the benefit of the PLC seems an ideal solution.

As Victor Meldrew says'I dont believe it!'

But I now understand why there is no WSRA board member.

 

So, who is being truthful, and who is being less than truthful ? At least the WSRA can't be evicted because they expect the PLC to honour their side of any agreement, or can they? Clearly, the PLC is financially playing hard and fast, the stated profit, looks to be on paper only , but it clearly shows who the pecking order is, in that the Steam Trust, is allowed to have a presence on the board, but the larger by financial support organisation isn't, I wonder why that is, ?

 

A disagreement yes, but no-one until now has suggested an untruth, or did I miss something?

And although someone is now a member of both the WSSRT and Plc boards that does not necessarily make them a ‘representative’. As WSRA found out a couple of years ago after being invited to nominate two plc directors; then falling out with both and discovering they had no power to remove them from the plc board.

 

I think self preservation is top of the agenda at the moment. (Pun intended.)