Porthcawl’s all-new land train preparing for official launch

Residents and visitors in Porthcawl will be getting a sneak preview of the town’s all-new road train attraction next week before its official launch later this month.

Designed to operate between Sandy Bay and Rest Bay, connecting the town centre and seafront with Rest Bay, the seasonal service will take in key stops such as Coney Pleasure Beach, Porthcawl harbour, the town centre, the Grand Pavilion and the Rest Bay Watersports Centre.

Jemma Wray, Chief Executive of Emmaus South Wales, the charity and social enterprise behind the new road train, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and locals on board soon, providing an exciting new attraction along the seafront. From Monday, we’ll be training staff with plans to start taking passengers mid-week.”

The road train has three carriages, one of which is wheelchair accessible, and the operator Emmaus will establish a ticket office and waiting area at its store on New Road, Porthcawl which is near the start of the road train’s route.

The new road train is being introduced using £11,453 which has been secured from EU funding via Welsh Government as part of the Visit Wales Tourist Attractor Destinations scheme.

Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, Cllr Charles Smith said: “I have no doubt the new Porthcawl road train will be an extremely popular addition to the tourism offer within the area.

“Emmaus South Wales have a track record of supporting people to improve their circumstances, find new accommodation, gain new skills and explore opportunities for fresh employment. As well as having strong links with the area, they can offer their considerable experience across a broad range of business operations, and can draw on the resources of the wider Emmaus UK community.”