‘THE end of an era’ – that is how the owner of Poole Park’s miniature railway described the moment the trains were hauled off the track.

Dozens of people watched as the engine shed was emptied today after Chris Bullen was given 24 hours to remove the equipment following the end of his tenancy agreement.

A tender process will soon begin, with Mr Bullen intending to submit a bid to continue running the railway.

He said around 60 people visited the railway on Tuesday, many of whom were upset to see the historic attraction cleared away.

“Some people have been really upset and others said it was absolutely shocking we’re having to clear everything so quickly.

“On Monday, at 1pm, I was given 24 hours to remove everything, except the track, which is sooner than I would have liked. After all the years I’ve been there, I feel the council have been very unreasonable.

“Although I’ve been allowed some extra time to remove the trains, they could have been decent and given us seven days. It’s almost like they want to get rid of this problem.”

Mr Bullen said six volunteers have helped remove 15 tonnes’ worth of equipment, with Dave Forrest Transport agreeing to take it away and store it at their depot for free.

“They have become our saviour, which is absolutely wonderful.”

He continued: “If we’re successful with our tender, it will be because the community has pulled together to make it happen.

“It’s been very sad for me to vacate the unit, but I’ve been amazed by how sad everyone else has been too. They’re thinking, is this the end of an era?”

A spokesperson for Poole council said Mr Bullen had been aware “for some time” that his tenancy at will was liable to be terminated to allow the tender process to begin.

“This was explained to him again earlier this month. Formal notice of termination was provided on Monday, giving 24 hours to remove equipment, which is standard. Mr Bullen agreed to this, and the council has facilitated additional access after termination of the tenancy to enable him to continue with arrangements he had already put in place for the removal of some heavier equipment.”

Mr Bullen, along with organisers of the Save Poole Park Railway Facebook page, has set up a crowdfunding page to raise £68,000 - the amount needed so he can tender for the railway.

Whoever wins the contract will be required to replace the track so it meets current health and safety standards.

Mr Bullen is asking people to pledge £1 for an inch of track, of which 65,000 inches will need replacing. Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shane-compton.

Poole Park Railway opened in 1949.

Mr Bullen has been running the railway since 2004.