A beloved tourist attraction in the popular seaside town of Porthcawl is set to close permanently. The Lucie Land Train, operated by the homelessness charity Emmaus South Wales, will no longer be seen along the seafront. The land train, which commenced operations in 2021, offered rides along the coastline from Coney Beach to Rest Bay, making stops at various points of interest including Porthcawl Marina, the Promenade, Rest Bay, the town centre, and the fairground. Unfortunately, the fairground is scheduled to close within the next two years as part of a mixed-use development.
Named after one of Emmaus’ founders, Lucie Coutaz, the train could carry up to 68 passengers on its 45-minute, four-mile journey. Despite efforts to find seasonal part-time drivers with the necessary category D driving licence, the charity was unable to secure suitable candidates after an extensive search. Del Jones, the chief executive of Emmaus South Wales, expressed sadness at the decision to retire the Lucie Land Train. He stated that the closure was necessary due to the challenges in recruiting drivers and that the charity needed to focus its resources on supporting those in need. The train has been sold to St Fagans National Museum of History near Cardiff.
Emmaus South Wales provides support to up to 24 individuals who have experienced homelessness by offering accommodation, assistance, and work experience. The charity operates over 30 groups across the UK. Those interested in supporting Emmaus South Wales can donate clothes, household items, or furniture or visit their Bridgend Superstore or Porthcawl shop.
The closure of the Lucie Land Train marks the end of an era for the Porthcawl coastline. While locals and tourists will miss its presence, the decision was made in the best interest of the charity. The train’s relocation to St Fagans National Museum ensures that it will continue to be a part of Welsh heritage.