A MINIATURE railway which has provided rides to thousand of children is returning to the area after two years of searching for a new site.

The Taunton Model Engineers (TME) previously ran the miniature railway at Vivary Park, but was evicted from the site in 2017 to make way for a new cafe.

A second site was also running in Creech St Michael, but the club ran into a similar row with land owners around the same time.

After looking at 30 potential new sites, the search is finally over as planning permission has been granted for a permanent structure to be built in West Buckland.

TME is a charity consisting of 120 members of all ages. The club activities, carried out by volunteers, promotes the building and running of miniature ideas of engineering.

The club promotes engineering in young people, including school visits to the railway sites, and exhibitions.

It has been looking for a permanent site since its creation in 1946.

David Hartland, chairman, said: "After our evictions, David and Kerry Chappell, of West Buckland very kindly came forward and offered the club a piece of land near the village.

"The plan was to make a site for the club but also to be open on occasions as a village amenity.

"Initial application to Taunton Deane Planning was turned down as being an unsuitable scheme for countryside.

"Support was mobilised from the village, from the school, local councillors and council officers and a full application was made to the council's planning team in October 2018.

"There were a great many statements of support from residents and local organisations and after some delays the plans were approved the end of February 2019."

Somerset County Gazette:

LAYOUT: The plans for the miniature railway site

Construction is underway at the site, which is based off Stoford Lane, where around 100 trees are going to be planted.

Pathways will also be formed, as well as picnic areas around the railway.

Mr Hartland added: "The club always wants to welcome new members, it's not necessary to have an engineering background, just a yearning to do something practical out in the open air, and to help build a centre of model engineering for the future.

"Anyone wishing to help out please get in contact."

The group will now work to raise money and recruit some more volunteers, before presenting their plans later this year around September. 

It is hoped the railway will be up and running by this time next year. 

Get in touch with Mr Hartland by emailing david.hartland@cantab.net or call 07711229071.