Council and Land Train operator in discussions over future of service
Council and Land Train operator in discussions over future of service
Bournemouth Council today released this statement regarding the future running of the Hengistbury Head Land Train:
Bournemouth Council has met with Mrs Faris, the current operator of the land train at Hengistbury Head, to discuss the future running of the service.
Council Leader, Councillor John Beesley, said: “We met with Mrs Faris and her representatives yesterday to formally discuss the future running of the land train service. Both parties were keen to work together to find a solution beyond the autumn which meets current operating standards and the Council’s aspirations for this environmentally sensitive area, but to continue to retain the nostalgia people hold for the service. Our initial discussions went positively and we will be meeting again shortly to progress details. Over the past two weeks we have also met with other interested parties and users of the land train and in the meantime the service will continue to operate as usual.”
Mrs Faris has operated the Land Train service for more than 40 years after starting it with her late husband. The Council had given notice to Mrs Faris earlier this year that it did not intend to renew her licence after the summer season.
Mrs Faris said: “We had a good meeting with the Council to talk about how we can work with them to keep the service running. I am very grateful for the public’s support and I am pleased it was recognised by the Leader and the Council how many people enjoy our service. We are keen to show how we can meet the necessary requirements that would hopefully enable us to continue.”