I don't think this has been posted anywhere else (I couldn't see a separate thread):
http://www.sdrt.org/images/files/news/press_release_22-02-20.pdf
Of course, there are two sides to every story and here's the WSR's press statement:
https://www.west-somerset-railway.c...et-railway-board-statement-regarding-washford
http://www.sdrt.org/images/files/news/press_release_22-02-20.pdf
The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust has received 12 months notice to quit its Washford site after West Somerset Railway terminates tenancy agreement.
20 February 2020.
Ian Young, S&DRT Chairman, is sending the following letter to members:
"Dear member,
I am sorry to tell you that we have received a Notice to Terminate the agreement at Washford by February 10th 2021. It has been sent by solicitors acting for the West Somerset Railway plc.
This is very disappointing news for the Trust. The reason cited by the letter from their solicitors is that the WSR wishes to use the site for their own purposes though they have not furnished any further detail.
We cannot be certain of the outcome of this move but, whatever that might be, it will bring challenges to the Trust. At the same time I would ask you all to be assured that this does NOT indicate the end of the Trust, we will continue with our present activities as usual. I have no doubt that it will cause us to evaluate, as never before, what our strengths, weaknesses and ambitions are. However the Trust has faced difficulties in the past which have been overcome and we must seek the opportunities which will lie ahead.
We are seeking legal advice, and a response has already been sent to the WSR via their solicitors.
In the meantime, we will endeavour to keep you informed via the website. Please note that certain information may be reserved for the Members’ area."
Ian Young,
Chairman, Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust Ltd.
Of course, there are two sides to every story and here's the WSR's press statement:
https://www.west-somerset-railway.c...et-railway-board-statement-regarding-washford
"In the past few months...the West Somerset Railway has been undertaking a strategic review of its entire operations, and completely overhauling its finances.
The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust seems governed in such a way that it meant they felt unable to assist us financially other than by allowing the WSR to hold and retain the modest profits from a Real Ale Festival last year. They wished to pursue their own specific charitable aims and, in our crisis period, acted rather like a ‘cuckoo in the nest’ which the plc found unacceptable. As a result of this and other concerns, they have been served with a year’s notice to remove themselves from the Washford site completely."
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