Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

Does anyone know the loco plans over the next week or two? I haven’t yet managed a ride behind Lyn, it’s always Isaac on all my spontaneous visits! I’m currently based about 150 miles away, so it’s a bit of a commitment to travel to Woody Bay!

 

They know when your coming, so know how to wind you up........As they have spy cameras here and there along all the routes to Woody Bay!

Seriously though, we've all been there, done that wanting to see a particular engine in service etc...

 

Agreed! The L&B is always well worth a visit, regardless of what’s at work. But as I’m much further away than usual due to a work contract, I thought I would ask. I know railways have more important matters to deal with.......

 

I suggest the best way to get an answer to a question like that would be to send an email to enquiries@lynton-rail.co.uk

 

Thanks, I will try it.

 

Very responsive when I wrote, but I don’t think they do requests!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Locos rostered as follows:
Currently Isaac to Sunday 30th August, then Lyn definitely Monday 31st and Tuesday 1st September, remainder of next week to be determined.

 

Many thanks for your kindness in sharing this. Woody Bay here I come! Looking forward so much to seeing Lyn in steam and travelling behind her!

 

Taken from facebook .

"A short update on the progress of the purchase of the Station. Most of the conveyancing process is complete (searches, etc). There is currently what we expect to be a short delay as the vendors needed to find a new house to move to after their first choice fell through. We currently anticipate completion within the next few weeks."

https://www.facebook.com/FriendsBrattonFleming

 

This is old news, we were told completion would be in a few weeks several weeks ago.
Have the vendors taken the house off the market? That would be reasonable and a sign of good faith.

 

Yes, but AIUI that was before the vendors ran into problems with their own onward purchase. Clearly they will not want to complete the sale of the station until they have somewhere to go, we shall just have to wait a little longer.....

 

Unfortunately, knowing the provenance of the purchaser, the vendors can afford to take their time, as they know they aren't going to lose the sale.
In a more realistic world, they would find themselves a shorthold tenancy in order to get things moving, but I have the feeling they won't feel the need to do this.

 

I don't really see any problem with any delay. Provided that (a) the vendors finally find a new property for themselves and (b) they then complete the sale to EA, what is the problem for the railway? We still get the station and in the meantime maybe generate some good-will by not appearing to hastle the vendors unnecessarily. Only snag might be if it means losing out on the stamp duty COVID 'holiday'.

 

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway has not actually needed Bratton Fleming station for 85 years, and likely won't need it for another 10. Even on the original timeframe for this conveyance the completion missed the high season of holiday cottage rentals, even if the drainage were in tenantable condition, which it isn't. When the property does finally change hands there is likely some work needed, and a frantic scramble to find "good enough" furniture etc.
There is a vendor who is happy to be selling to the railway. Why pressurise them unnecessarily

 

Hi Breva, the Facebook page has been being updated about these issues. The vendors have accepted the offer (several weeks back) so to that extent the house is no longer 'on the market'. Of course, technically a house is not officially off the market until completion. The vendors have assured our team no other buyers will be considered (as they lost at least 2 previous buyers they would be unlikely to entertain any new offers anyway). As noted elsewhere in this thread, we are ideal buyers for most vendors!! Just a little longer to wait

 

There is some uncertainty about the drainage problem. It seems to result from changed standards rather than from any inherent problem with the current septic tank. There is at least some debate as to whether the changed standards actually require immediate work to install a new system. Also it appears that the current tank is not even within the grounds of Long Acre and therefore, any work might be the responsibility of the landowner who does actually own that area. Doubtless, all will be revealed in good time.

 

Any delay will be well over before the end of the Stamp Duty holiday in March 2021. In any event, the extra 3% duty for non-first home and buying as a business is not suspended so will need to be paid. We do have enough for that, I gather.

 

Revised update for loco roster for the next 7 days. Isaac to remain in service until end of Wednesday 2nd Sept, then Lyn rostered Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th, reverting to Isaac on Saturday 5th ufn.

 

Many thanks for this update! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness in sharing the information. Sadly, I won’t be able to make the revised dates as I have now structured my working week around Plan A, but no grumbles from me!
Good things come to those who wait...

 

Thank you Martin, that is indeed reassuring. Very kind of you. I was a bit uneasy about gazumping, there is much demand for rural properties, according to the press.