THE future of Poole Park’s miniature railway has reached a significant junction, with the council officially putting the £45,000-a-year contract out to tender.

Borough of Poole (BOP) has opened the procedure to find new investors for the popular attraction - by inviting proposals that seek to “modernise and develop” the railway.

Last month the Daily Echo reported that Poole council said it was committed to having the park’s mini-railway up and running by this summer.

Now interested parties - including former operator Chris Bullen - have until March 5 to submit their tender.

Last November the railway suffered a carriage derailment, and health and safety issues have kept the miniature attraction off track since then.

In January dozens of people gathered to support Mr Bullen, as he emptied the engine shed following the end of his lease.

However, Mr Bullen - along with organisers of the Save Poole Park Railway Facebook page - has set up a crowdfunding page to raise the cash he needs to submit for tender.

A BOP spokesman explained: “BOP is inviting proposals that seek to modernise and develop the miniature railway concession.

“Supplying a service and faculties that supplement activity provision within Poole Park, one of Poole’s most popular public open spaces with an estimated 760,000 visitors every year.

“The council is seeking proposals from suitably experienced providers that integrate a value-for-money outcome for the council in terms of investment and revenue, whilst applying a willingness and commitment to develop the services and facilities for the potential local and day visitor markets.”

Council officials say they’ll also welcome innovative ideas, including how the existing railway could be “improved and developed in the future.”

The miniature railway, operated at Poole Park since 1949, has been enjoyed by generations of families and visitors.

The start date on the 10-year operating contract, being put out to tender by BOP, is May 15, 2017.

Meanwhile, a book chronicling the first half century of Poole Park Railway is available again in aid of charity.

Some 150 copies of Keith Guy’s book Poole Park Railway: The First Fifty Years 1949-99 have gone on sale.

The book has gone on sale again, with half the proceeds going towards Poole’s Lewis-Manning Hospice.