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V25-167 : ROAD TRAIN - LOWESTOFT SEAFRONT

The Director of Community Services reported that the Road Train had operated successfully on Lowestoft seafront for the first time in 1996, carrying an estimated 15,000 people during the season and attracting many regular, local customers. The Train was due to operate again for the 1997 season from the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

The way in which the Train had to operate meant that costs were high and accounts from the operator showed only a marginal excess of income over outgoings. This situation was likely to be repeated for 1997, due mainly to the temporary garaging, operational and financing costs of the Train itself. For this reason, a licence would be issued to the operator, Timeless Leisure Ltd., with no fee payable this year. First and foremost, the Train was regarded as a service to local residents and then as an attraction to tourists.

To ensure its future operation, consideration needed to be given to long term or permanent garaging on the seafront. As a precautionary measure the Council's permission was sought to apply for planning consent for the container type garaging in the track between Kensington Gardens and St. Mary's Primary School, from 1998-2000 inclusive. However, a lottery bid for development of Kensington Gardens was also currently being prepared, and the plans would include a permanent garage for the Road Train. If successful, this proposal would supersede the temporary arrangement.

Both options needed to be acted upon shortly to ensure continuity of the Road Train service after this season.

RESOLVED

1. That the Road Train operation be continued in future seasons on Lowestoft seafront.

2. That approval be given to seek planning consent for the temporary garaging for the Road Train, between Kensington Gardens and St Mary's Primary School, from 1998 - 2000.

3. That a purpose built garage for the Road Train be included in proposals currently being drawn up for a lottery bid for enhancement of Kensington Gardens.

Volume 25 Minute 167

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