Clevedon miniature railway in North Somerset could reopen
North Somerset council is seeking a new operator for Clevedon miniature railway
North Somerset could soon see a second disused railway reopen as the council seeks a new operator for Clevedon’s miniature one.
The 15 inch gauge which loops around the Salthouse Fields next to Clevedon’s marine lake opened in 1952 but has lain unused in recent years. Now — at the same time as the Bristol to Portishead Railway is being restored — North Somerset Council is looking for someone to take on the lease for the Salthouse Fields and see its miniature railway reopened too.
Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure, and open spaces, said: “I’m pleased to say that North Somerset Council are putting the wheels in motion and hoping to get Clevedon’s miniature railway back on track. The miniature railway is part of a great day out for residents and visitors alike and a fantastic draw to the local area, bringing smiles to family’s faces and a boost to our local economy.
“Clevedon residents have told us how popular and important the miniature railway is and this a great example of the council listening to those voices, working with leisure providers and the voluntary and community sectors to ensure we deliver together for the benefit of our residents.”
In addition to reopening the miniature railway, the council wants the new Salthouse Fields operator to build a new train shed for the locomotive. The 35 lease would also cover running a cafe, the mini golf course, and children’s activity area.
The political appetite to reopen the beloved leisure attraction appears to have been spurred on by the fact that neighbouring town of Portishead is getting its commuter railway to Bristol reopened in a major £182m project.
Speaking at a North Somerset Council meeting in July where councillors were signing off on the major scheme, Clevedon West councillor Luke Smith (Conservative) had said: “I was hoping, given the agenda, we could get a second railway reopened — and that would be the Salthouse’s miniature one.”
Council leader Mike Bell (Weston-super-Mare Central, Liberal Democrat) responded: “Today has been very much a celebration of railways and I think if we can do anything to get the miniature railway back at Salthouse Fields we should do so.”