Scarborough land train proposal gets enthusiastic support from council

​A land train improving connectivity and offering views of the local sights could be a reality for Scarborough’s 400th anniversary as a resort town.

​Members of Scarborough Town Council’s Community and Place Committee have said they are in favour of a land train being introduced in the town, if it can be arranged safely and practically.

​Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, December 17, Cllr Rich Maw said: “An entrepreneur asked me why Scarborough doesn’t have a land train like Bridlington, and I thought, let’s have a look at how we might progress that, and what the stumbling blocks could be.”

​He added: “Given the potential benefits, it’s a practical solution to improve connectivity across the town.

​“It could link key destinations like the town centre, the seafront, both Bays, and other tourist spots, and it’s a fun and alternative way to travel.”

​Committee members endorsed the proposal in principle, with Cllr Robert Everall stating: “It’s a fantastic idea, absolutely brilliant.”

​However, councillors noted that questions regarding practical issues would have to be answered and clarified, and the committee agreed to invite potential operators to present their ideas.

​“I think that the sticking block in the past has been the area highways and North Yorkshire Council has decided that there were potential issues insofar as it could slow down traffic on Marine Drive,” Cllr Maw stated.

​Cllr William Stuart said: “I like the idea and I fully endorse what Cllr Maw was saying about entrepreneurship and healthy competition.

​“In my mind, it’s about due diligence and whether we’re capable of doing that. What impact would that have on traffic congestion during peak tourism periods?”

​He added that North Yorkshire Council and the Highway Authority would be able to answer questions raised by the committee: “That’s what they are experts in.

“So, I propose that we go along with this proposal, but we go to North Yorkshire Council and say, would you really look at this and the feasibility of it, and would you say whether it can happen?”

​Councillors endorsed the proposal to ask for advice from NYC and to invite interest parties to present their ideas for a land train to the committee.