THE land train service from Boscombe seafront to the shopping precinct is being extended until the end of the summer season.

And one councillor has told the Daily Echo how he hopes the long-awaited route can become an all-year-round attraction.

Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts said: “The land train has been such a success that council officers are now looking at whether it can be viable throughout the winter months.”

The service was launched on April 9 and was expected to run on a trial basis until at least the end of this month, dependant on the weather.

Departing from Boscombe Pier on the hour from 10am until 5pm the service runs up Sea Road into Boscombe precinct, arriving opposite McDonald’s.

On its return journey the train travels along Christchurch Road and into Boscombe Chine Gardens, stopping in the gardens before heading back to Boscombe Pier.

Cllr Stanley-Watts added: “It’s been a brilliant success; I’ve seen people cheering as the train comes up Sea Road.

“As well as being essential for local traders, the service increases beach and shop access for the elderly and disabled. Residents in sheltered housing accommodation are great fans of the land train.”

In a bid to boost numbers using Boscombe beach, Cllr Stanley-Watts is calling for funding for an outdoor gym for the elderly.

He said: “With increasing rates of obesity, I think we should be encouraging all ages to use the beach.”

The Boscombe West councillor plans to raise the matter at the next full council meeting on June 7.

In his new role as a Dorset Fire Authority member Cllr Stanley-Watts wants fire regulations to be tightened up at Boscombe’s large concentration of bedsit blocks.

He said: “While canvassing I was shocked by some of the conditions I saw. People are living in very cramped conditions, there have been fires recently in the area and we must do everything possible to prevent a tragedy.”