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Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by 50044 Exeter, Dec 25, 2009.

  1. goughball01

    goughball01 New Member

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    South of the Bridwick Farm to wherever the Wistlandpound Station site

    As far as i am aware this section is owned by Southwest Water as part of there property around Wistlandpound.
     
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  2. Biermeister

    Biermeister Member

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    I was rather thinking of pedestrian ingress/egress so as to stroll through Parracombe and to enjoy its delights such as St Petroc's Church and to enjoy a visit to the Fox & Goose...
     
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  3. DcB

    DcB Well-Known Member

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    Does not look like things have changed since 1898!
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parracombe_railway_station
    There are several in the village who see the railway helping the economy and jobs.
    Whilst others who moved to the village for it's quietness are not looking forward to trains of tourists.
    Hopefully a compromise can be found again and the TWAO approved.
     
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  4. The Dainton Banker

    The Dainton Banker Well-Known Member

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    I bet some of the incomers complain about the Church bells, cows mooing, cocks crowing, and the sound of agricultural machinery at all times of day and night.:rolleyes::D
     
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  5. RailWest

    RailWest Part of the furniture

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    ...not to mention the rich country aroma :)
     
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  6. NeilL

    NeilL Well-Known Member

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    I wonder if boilers could be converted to burn dried cow dung and whether it would seen to be green or perhaps the smell would be unacceptable.
     
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  7. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Point of Order: The Exmoor uplands are predominantly sheep and pony country. Cows get altitude sickness, which curdles the milk.

    My money is still on torrified biofuel pellets (not dung!) as the most likely coal substitute, assuming miniaturised thorium reactors, currently being developed, remain restricted tech.
     
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  8. DcB

    DcB Well-Known Member

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    the railway objectors have lived in the village for a while and probably got used to village sounds, but not extra tourists.
    The interactive maps with Google satellite view is really good and been updated.
    Are Southwest Water willing to sell or lease the trackbed at Wistlandpound?
     
  9. ghost

    ghost Part of the furniture

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    I think that's a question best kept off the forum
     
  10. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Why so? If they own a stretch of land that the railway would like to use, either there is at least a possibility that they will agree to sell or lease it or that is out of the question and a further diversion will be needed. If the former, then negotiation over the details might be sensitive and best kept private, but I see no harm in asking the basic question as to whether there is a possibility.
     
  11. H Cloutt

    H Cloutt Member

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    I don't know the situation with this particular section of the line but I think that discussion about any trackbed not owned by the Trust is best avoided in an open forum.
     
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  12. ghost

    ghost Part of the furniture

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    As per Harold's posting above, any speculation regarding whether a particular stretch of land may or may not be available, how much it may cost, who the owners are etc. is best avoided on a public forum and left to those managing the railway.
     
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  13. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Our curiosity over all matters L&B is perfectly natural, I share it myself. On the specific matter of reacquiring the old right of way though, there's much beyond the normal commercial sensitivities to consider. If one carelessly worded post gets the wrong back up, it could too easily kybosh years of delicate negotiations, regardless of whether said post expressed any 'official' viewpoint, or was just some ill-considered speculation.

    Under most circumstances, I'm one of those arguing for as much transparency as humanly possible, but not at the cost of upsetting a delicately balanced apple cart. Please keep in mind too, that when it comes to keeping us informed, neither the L&B Trust nor Exmoor Associates have been stingy with info. Let's please reign it in and give them the opportunity to get on with what they've been doing so well.
     
  14. Axe +1

    Axe +1 New Member

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    The notice of the purchase for the "Parracombe Halt" site is now on the L&B website.

    See >>> https://www.lynton-rail.org.uk/story/parracombe-halt-ours

    Once again the L&BR Land Purchase Fund is open and ready to receive donations to refill the coffers ready for the next piece of trackbed that comes our way. Meanwhile, an appeal has been launched to raise funds to bridge the gap between Rick & Barbara's contribution and the total costs. The target is £150,000.

    The Trust is always very grateful for all contributions towards our appeals - be they large or small - and can claim a further 25% in Gift Aid on your donations too.

    Without your support, the current impetus will be much harder to sustain.

    Please go to https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/form/donation to make a contribution.

    Many thanks.
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2021
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  15. WishIHadAName

    WishIHadAName New Member

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    I see they have now purchased Parracombe halt and own all the track bed from there to Woody Bay for the first time. Hopefully some physical progress soon then?
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2021
  16. H Cloutt

    H Cloutt Member

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    I think you meant 'now purchased' rather than 'not purchased' - slip of the finger!
    Woody Bay has just been on 'Escape to the Country' on BBC1 - the presenter drove Axe down the line and was made up with it.
     
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  17. ghost

    ghost Part of the furniture

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    As I understand it, the TWAO is required before any physical work can take place. I believe work on that is proceeding.
     
  18. WishIHadAName

    WishIHadAName New Member

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    Woops
     
  19. RailWest

    RailWest Part of the furniture

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    Not only that, but AIUI the 'Grampian conditions' (?) on the planning consent require the Trust to own (or be about to buy) all the necessary land and have (or be eligible for grants to have) all the money necessary to fund the work before ANY construction can start. We can NOT (for example) start to build from KL to PE simply because we now own all the necessary land and have the planning permission - the ENPA will not permit it for the simple (and understandable) reason that they don't want work to start but then fail (for whatever reason) to reach completion all the way to Blackmoor.

    The above point has been made several times before. Please pay attention there at the back of the class :)

    That's my understanding, but I stand to be corrected by those with better knowledge of the subject.
     
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  20. Breva

    Breva Well-Known Member

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    As a picture of the recently acquired bungalow has now been posted on the L&B website, I think I can post my own picture of it, taken from the road bridge over the line in 2014.
    The original concrete shelter can be seen on the right, with the sloping roof.
    At the time I took the picture I thought this is going to be tricky, but with patience... :)

    14-05-02 010.jpg
     

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