THE tender to bid for Poole Park's miniature railway contract has hit the buffers - but council officials insist the process will quickly be back on track.

Borough of Poole (BOP) officials have confirmed some of the proposals they've received contain "anomalies" and that in order to create a level playing field they need to clarify some issues with applicants.

The Daily Echo understands the process has been halted with new documentation and instructions issued on Friday.

Last week we reported that the deadline to bid for the rights to operate the mini railway had passed.

Commenting on the latest developments, BOP recreation and community manager Anthony Rodgers said: "We have received a wide variety of proposals for the development and operation of Poole Park miniature railway during this tender process.

"These proposals vary in their format and some contain anomalies, so to enable us to assess each of them fairly and give all applicants an equal chance, we need to clarify the requirements and seeking further information from the applicants.

"We remain hopeful that we will be able to appoint an operator in April."

The borough, which made a commitment to ensuring the railway would be up and running by this summer, is offering a 10-year operating contract which, previously, was set to start on May 15.

Footage by Plato Video, Lionel Fynn

Poole Park's miniature railway has operated since 1949 and is a favourite among both locals and tourists. An estimated 760,000 people visit Poole Park every year, according to borough figures.

Last November the railway suffered a carriage derailment, and issues with health and safety meant the train has not operated since.

Then, in January, this year, crowds gathered to watch operator Chris Bullen empty the engine shed following the end of his lease.