BRIDGWATER and District Civic Society has become the first group to make a regular booking at the new community room at the town's railway station.

The room, located on platform two, was shown to the committee by retired Network Rail manager David Northey.

He is now is a director at Severnside Rail Partnership, the sponsors of the room.

It used to be the old British Rail chargehand's office and is part of a Grade Two listed building.

All refurbishments undertaken were done meticulously, ensuring history was respected while modern equipment like a state-of-the-art screen and Wi-Fi access for laptop presentations was incorporated.

There is, at present, room for meetings of up to 14 people. There are kitchen, dishwashing and toilet facilities, full disabled access. There is no charge for local groups to arrange bookings. 

(Image: Bridgwater and District Civic Society)

The Civic Society is looking forward to including a small library of railway history books and a display of vintage railway, and railway staff, photographs of Bridgwater and its adjacent stations in the Community Room.

Civic Society chair Dave Chapple said: "It's great that our Civic Society committee will be the first local group to use this brilliant free facility on a regular basis.

"I hope other Bridgwater area community groups, council sub-committees, political parties, trades union branches, and local small businesses will follow us.

"I personally hope that all head teachers of our local town and village school can arrange at least one visit, to learn about our railway system and how they can use it.

"We hope that the opening of the Community Room can signal a general surge of interest in our wonderful rail station, including a new cafe, increased security and booking/ticket office hours, opening the footpath access to the Bridgwater & Taunton Sydenham college campus and full disabled access between the two platforms.

"Well done Severnside Rail Partnership for believing in Bridgwater!"