New operator of Bognor seafront train is appointed - but has no train

The decision to appoint Inspire Leisure as the contractor for the popular service along the promenade was made by Arun District Council.

But the leisure operator has not yet even ordered its engine to pull the train between Butlins and Clarence Road.

A service was maintained along the seafront during the bank holiday weekend only because the previous operator was asked to help out as a stop-gap arrangement.

Darrell Hardy agreed to the emergency two-month deal to avoid a lengthy gap in the service as the summer season begins.

Mr Hardy's contract ended last Friday. His bid to renew the deal for another three years was rejected in favour of Inspire Leisure's proposal.

He said: "I am very sad and very disappointed by the decision but,

if the best man has won, then that's the way it goes.

"Everything changes, but I feel I put in a very strong tender with completely new designs for two new trains, original to Bognor, based on the town's seaside heritage. The trains were based on sound environmental principles.

"My granddad (Ron Whittington) started the service in about 1979 and the family has carried it on since then with a trouble-free and efficient service."

The axing of his service means the loss of 11 part-time jobs.

Mr Hardy was the third generation of his family to run the train service along some 500m of the seafront.

He operated it all year round apart from January using two engines which each pulled two carriages with a capacity of 24 passengers in each compartment.

The newer engine, Eco the Engine, was four years old and was claimed by Mr Hardy to be the most environmentally-friendly land train in the country. The other, Sir Frederick, was slightly older.

The service carried thousands of passengers a year and was one

of the most familiar sights along the seafront.

Mr Hardy, of Whittington and Grandson, was unsure if he would continue to operate the other seafront landtrain route '“ between the pier and Marine Park Gardens '“ which is subject to a separate tender.

But he will be continuing his family's cafe and seaside goods kiosk opposite Clarence Road. This is on a separate concession from the district council.

Although no vehicle has yet been ordered, Inspire Leisure said its new train would be a national attraction.

A spokeswoman for the leisure services provider said: "We are currently working with Arun District Council to finalise details of our future operation.

"We have been in consultation with a manufacturer to design and build a unique land train, one option being an art deco-themed train.

"We are confident the new land train will be an excellent feature to the seafront and will not only attract additional visitors but will also attract train enthusiasts from all over the country.

"We are looking forward to providing a quality service to residents and visitors of the Arun district and are pleased to have been given this opportunity

by the district council after undertaking a formal application and interview process."