THE popular land train at Hengistbury Head will not return until April, as some residents call for the train to return all year round.

BCP Council says the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic forced the Hengistbury Head Land Train, also known as the Noddy train, to change to a new seasonal schedule.

Last seen in early November last year, some residents have been left disappointed by the new schedule changes for the train – which runs through Hengistbury Head between the main car park and Mudeford Spit.

One resident commented: “The old train used to run every day except Christmas Day. This is not a criticism, just an observation. Sad for disabled people.”

Another said: “It would have been useful for you to have updated your signs/websites when you made this decision, not afterwards.

“I walked to the spit with my toddler with the plan to get the train back. I checked your website and this page beforehand. No sign it wasn’t running. Imagine that walk back with a very tired toddler who was excited for a train.”

Bournemouth Echo: Land train by the Hiker Café at Hengistbury Head.Land train by the Hiker Café at Hengistbury Head.

However, resident John Boman thought the move was positive. He said: “The summer months are the best time for this train to run. My grandchildren always turn up and visit in the summer.

“I’ve lived in Bournemouth for 20 years and it’s a lovely little thing. I think it’s good news.”

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “The land train has only temporarily ceased service for the winter. The service is restarting at the beginning of April and will then run daily until the autumn.

“Since Covid made an impact in 2019, the trains have operated between April and October each year. This is also the plan for the year ahead, however, could be reviewed and adjusted in the future.”