Sir David Amess Southend Pier train still out of action

The train is part of a £3.2million project which has seen two eco-friendly, state-of-the-art vehicles. It was named after murdered Southend West MP Sir David Amess and began carrying passengers earlier in March after being unveiled by Prince Charles.

Problems with the train’s doors left people stranded on the train in April however, and it seems the glitch has still not been rectified.

Speaking at a policy and resources committee meeting on Thursday Helen Boyd, Conservative councillor for Blenheim Park ward, branded the problems an disappointing for the city. She said: “I’ve walked down the pier twice this summer and on each occasion the Sir David Amess train has not been working.

“The doors are off. People are obviously working on the floors. As I was with visitors on one occasion it’s very disappointing that our new flagship train, which was supposed to be operational several months ago still doesn’t seem to be up and running.”

In response, Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment, culture and tourism, said: “There has been several glitches with the operation of the Sir David Amess train. I don’t know the details of all the technical side of it. There’s been a problem with the doors I know.

“Obviously the doors are an incredibly important part of the train so we can’t have anything going wrong while that’s in operation.”

Ms Mulroney added: “I do know that the pier staff involved are in close contact with Severn Lamb, the manufacturers, to get the elements sorted out and get it back on again as quickly as possible. Unfortunately it’s just been one of those things. It’s a new machine. It’s bedding in and it’s like the washing machine that goes wrong the moment you put something in it.”

A council spokesperson said: “It will take a few weeks to restore the new pier train to it’s former working glory.

“The council is working with contractors to have the doors fixed as soon as possible whilst keeping public safety as a main priority. In the meantime, the public can find out updates through the pier’s dedicated site and social channels.”

Glitch - The Sir David Amess