Lindisfarne loco hits the buffers: Trial of ‘Disney-style’ train on island gets put on hold after opposition from residents
- Novelty vehicle, named Larry Landtrain, would transport 36 tourists to the castle
- Was pitched as Covid-secure and child-friendly alternative to existing minibus
- Council has now shelved plans following a 9,000-strong petition from residents
A trial of a ‘Disney-style’ land train on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne has been put on hold after ‘a groundswell of opposition’, it was revealed yesterday.
The green and yellow novelty vehicle, named Larry Landtrain, would transport up to 36 tourists from the main car park to the 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle.
The three-carriage train was pitched as a Covid-secure and child-friendly alternative to the existing minibus service.
The green and yellow novelty vehicle, named Larry Landtrain, would transport up to 36 tourists from the main car park to the 16th-century Lindisfarne Castle
Woody’s Taxis – which runs the shuttle buses and was set to operate the land train – claimed it is safer, more environmentally friendly and will boost local businesses.
The company initially received permission from Northumberland County Council for a four-week trial of the service.
But the council has now shelved the plans following a 9,000-strong petition from angry residents.
They claimed the service risked turning the area into a ‘theme park’ instead of being appreciated for its spiritual setting.
Hotel worker Nicola Douglas, 47, a lifelong Lindisfarne resident, previously said: ‘I have nothing against land trains but it’s just not for Holy Island.
‘It is not Disneyland and it is not a theme park. The majority of people who live here are against this.
The council has now shelved the plans following a 9,000-strong petition from angry residents to stop the train on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
‘It looks like Thomas the Tank Engine and it is not what you expect to see on Holy Island.’
Last night Miss Douglas welcomed the news that the trial had been put on hold, adding: ‘We are very happy to have been heard by the council.’
Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: ‘There’s been a groundswell of opposition to the proposed land train, and we recognise and acknowledge the concerns and issues raised.’
The council will now hold further consultations on the idea.
Source: Read Full Article
