Seaford beach will not get train after councillors object

Councillors in Seaford voted five to four to block a proposed one-week trial for the service.

The scheme would have seen a Dotto-style train, similar to one operating in Eastbourne, run along the town’s promenade during the May half-term.

It was put forward by consultants on behalf of a local business group, who argued it would provide a “delightful visitor experience” and improve connectivity.

But the proposal was shut down at a heated Seaford Town Council meeting on 26 February after clashing with concerns over safety, noise, and the town’s identity.

The Dotto land train operating on Eastbourne’s seafront, like the one suggested for a Seaford trial. (Image: NQ)

Councillor Christina Bristow told the committee: “Seaford isn’t Eastbourne, or Brighton.”

The proposed route would have taken passengers from the Sailing Club to Splash Point, using the promenade for most of the journey.

But opponents argued the walkway was already too crowded and unsuitable for a vehicle.

Councillor Sylvia Dunn said the promenade was too busy and lined with beach huts and food concessions .

She also said the surface was poor, with “large divots” and “indentations”.

“The promenade is not in good condition,” Cllr Dunn stated. “It’s not smooth at all.”

Fellow councillor Olly Matthew echoed fears about congestion, highlighting the risk to vulnerable pedestrians.

He said he was worried “particularly for older people, who might not be able to move out the way so quickly.”

This image of an example land train was included in the proposal (Image: Land Train Hire Nationwide)

Councillors also questioned the value for money, with tickets proposed at £3 for a single or up to £6 for an all-day pass.

Cllr Dunn said the Seaford route was too short for the fare, unlike Eastbourne’s service linking the town centre to Sovereign Harbour.

Cllr Matthew joked that residents he had spoken to had other transport priorities.

“The people I’ve spoken to about this said they’d rather have a train from Seaford to London,” he said.

The use of a petrol-powered engine was another point of contention, with councillors arguing it contradicted the town’s climate emergency policy.

Cllr Bristow said she did not want to draw more cars to the area, adding: “We already have an issue with the weight of tourism at the seafront.”

There were concerns that Seaford beach would be too crowded for the train (Image: Ian Capper)

But other councillors defended it, saying a short trial was a low-risk way to test the idea.

Councillor Sally Markwell urged colleagues to keep an open mind.

“I would urge caution, of course, but we’re talking about a week-long trial – not six months,” she said. “Just one week.”

She continued: “I know change is really difficult, and we all have a vision for what we want for Seaford – we talk about it a lot.

“But sometimes it’s about being a bit brave and courageous, and just trying something for a week.”

Councillor Geoff Rutland agreed, arguing that a busy period was the ideal time to see if the train could work.

“We’re talking about a trial for one week,” he said. “Yes, it will be a busy week, but that’s actually a good time to test the water.

“We have nothing to lose by trying it.”

In the end, the committee voted it down.