THE SOMERSET & DORSET RAILWAY
 

This article is based substantially on the text of a circular letter from Dorset County Council dated 29 January 2007.

During 2007, more work is planned to extend the Trailway at Stalbridge and Corfe Mullen. At the moment (February 2007), the Trailway at Stalbridge heads south from the old station site but is blocked by vegetation after about three quarters of a mile. At Corfe Mullen, the intention is to use the old railway to create a link into Wimborne Minster, which would be a major attraction on the route; work has already started at the Corfe end.

Between Sturminster and Shillingstone, negotiations with landowners are looking positive, while it is possible that Blandford will be connected with Charlton Marshall within the next twelve months. This would link up with the existing Trailway from Charlton Marshall southwards to Spetisbury, and would create a single continuous length of just over 4 miles. It would be great if a cross-town link could be established at Blandford to connect this new southern extension to the Trailway which already heads north from the old station site.

The council's newsletter concludes as follows: 'So overall there is much to be positive about, but as ever, lots more to do, lots more money needed and the good will of private landowners to make this Trailway truly become a long distance route, However, every metre that is opened puts more pressure on the bits that remain closed.'

The long term intention is to establish a route initially from Stalbridge to Poole, and eventually from Templecombe in Somerset to Christchurch. Members of this club are extremely impressed with all that the local authorities in Dorset have done so far, and continue to do, to make this vision a reality. The committee will give serious consideration to supporting this project financially, while the club's Southern Area hopes to provide some manpower next year to help with clearance work on a section where access has been newly agreed.