A MAN has accused the council of prioritising a “Benidorm drinking” resort over a family beach after being told the land train would no longer serve Branksome.

Philip Lawrence, 72, of Lakeside Road, Poole said went to take his grandchildren on the land train, only to be told by the driver it was no longer serving Branksome due to the proposed Rockwater development to the café.

READ MORE: Rockwater Village plans for Sandbanks and Branksome

He has now said to prioritise drinking over a family tourist attraction was “wrong”.

The council, however, has said it’s stopped the service due to low demand.

Mr Lawrence said: “We asked the driver why he was not coming up and he said he had been instructed ‘this is where we turn now because of the development’.

“The council said they were upgrading Branksome, spent £180,000, made a big fuss about it just to bin it.

“They must think the bar is going to be very busy that the land train becomes a health and safety issue.

“I thought we were a tourist resort, I thought it was a family beach not a Benidorm drinking beach.

“We’ve had council tax put up and you want the best value for your money, everyone’s had a hard time and I don’t think the council should throw our money around.”

The turning circle was part of £180,000 improvements to Branksome Chine which included improved public toilets and new way marking and signage.

Mr Lawrence continued: “I don’t see why the land train can’t work with the bar. It comes up every 45 minutes or every hour, it travels along the promenade and has to negotiate people every day through the summer.

“Just to slowly turn there and let people off is okay. To prioritise drinking over a family tourist attraction is wrong.”

Dugald Eadie, of the Branksome Park & Canford Cliffs Residents Association, said it wasn't a "major issue" but described the timing as "odd".

He said: "The council decided the economics didn't justify it, there weren't enough people using it.

"Obviously, if Rockwater expands usage that might change but it's not something that is a major issue.

"It's a little bit odd given they spent all that money on the turning circle but it's not a major issue."

Cllr Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place, said: “The land train along Bournemouth seafront continues to be a much-loved attraction which allows passengers a scenic tour along the seafront from Bournemouth Pier Approach to Alum Chine.

“Due to very low demand using the service between Alum Chine and Branksome Chine, the service will currently make its last stop at Alum Chine. However, we will keep this under review.”