A much-loved tourist attraction in the popular seaside town of Porthcawl is set to close for good, as confirmed by Wales Online. The Lucie Land Train, operated by the homelessness charity Emmaus South Wales, will be retired and will no longer be seen along the seafront. The land train, which started operating in 2021, provided passengers with scenic rides along the coastline, making stops at key locations such as Coney Beach, Porthcawl Marina, the Promenade, Rest Bay, the town centre, and the fairground.
The train, named after Emmaus’ co-founder Lucie Coutaz, was a familiar sight carrying up to 68 passengers on its four-mile, 45-minute journeys. Despite efforts to recruit seasonal drivers with the necessary category D driving licence, the charity was unsuccessful in finding suitable candidates. Consequently, the decision was made to sell the train to St Fagans National Museum of History near Cardiff.
Del Jones, the chief executive of Emmaus South Wales, expressed sadness over the departure of Lucie Land Train. He highlighted the joy the attraction brought to both locals and tourists, acknowledging its significance along the Porthcawl coastline. Jones emphasized that the decision to retire the train was a financial one made in the best interests of the charity, ensuring its focus remains on supporting those in need.
Emmaus South Wales, which supports individuals who have experienced homelessness by providing housing, support, and work experience, operates as part of a wider network of Emmaus groups across the UK. Supporters can continue to help the charity by donating clothes, household items, or furniture, or by visiting their Bridgend Superstore or Porthcawl shop.
The closure of the Lucie Land Train marks the end of an era for Porthcawl’s seafront attraction, leaving a void in the town’s tourism offerings. While locals and visitors will miss the sight of the train chugging along the picturesque coastline, its legacy will live on as it finds a new home at St Fagans National Museum of History.
As Porthcawl bids farewell to the beloved Lucie Land Train, residents and tourists alike can reminisce about the joy and memories it brought during its time operating along the seafront. The legacy of the land train will endure, serving as a reminder of the valuable work done by Emmaus South Wales in supporting those facing homelessness and rebuilding lives within the community.