A Piece of Minehead History

Written by Councillor Ian Galloway and published in West Somerset Free Press on Fri 15th Feb 2008

Dear Editor,

It felt a particular privilege on Monday to represent Minehead as its County Councillor and so be present at a piece of Minehead history, as once again Minehead had its own locomotive turntable which was finally lowered into position after some delay at about 3pm. An amazing slice of heavy Victorian engineering, that is uncomplicated and so wonderfully balanced that it is simple to operate, and makes it possible to turn many tons of steam locomotive, just by hand. It will I think attract and thrill residents and visitors alike for years to come.

Alan Gloak & Ian Galloway celebrate this wonderful engineering feat

Although the project is not finished yet - that is on target for the fourth of July - our town I think can give itself a very large and well deserved 'pat on the back'. After rejecting the original plans for the site, many townspeople took part in discussions and offered wise advice and positive suggestions about what they would like to see on the site instead. In my opinion particular thanks are also owed to the much maligned 'Direct' group and particularly in the early stages to Graham Sizer and Naomi and Jessica Griffiths who gave it so much of their free time. For a project like this which occupies such a key position in the town it is essential that residents really feel a sense of ownership of the development and I think that has to be central for any future key projects within the town.

Sometimes in various Press Releases the County Council justifiably and correctly, describes itself as a 'Four Star Council'. In practice though, to most people the designation does not mean a great deal, as it is not always easy for the lay person to see how the County Council prudently manages and gets maximum value from the income entrusted to it, in comparison to other Counties. This development I hope goes some way to being 'the proof of the pudding'.

The West Somerset Railway and South West Regional Development Agency have shown great confidence in Minehead's future and feel like me, that another chapter is opening for the town. It may be that for our town, the best really is yet to come. Some times it is difficult to discern a tipping point at the time but it may be that this development is such a one and will, hopefully kick start other developments.

Finally I should like to say thank you for the patience shown by all of those who have had to put up with any inconvenience and noise of a work in progress..

Yours truly,

Ian Galloway

C/Cllr. Minehead