A DECISION has finally been made on who will run Poole Park Miniature Railway - and it's not the former operator.

Borough of Poole has announced that Friends of Poole Park, a local community charity, has been successful in its tender to operate the railway attraction.

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.

Friends of Poole Park has said it would be working to improve the attraction, including a phased track replacement, the development of the station and engine shed and hosting of special events and festivals throughout the year.

Friends of Poole Park chairman Michael Collins said: “We are delighted that Borough of Poole have awarded us the miniature railway concession.

“We have worked hard for many years to protect, promote, and enhance Poole Park, and we are looking forward to doing the same for the railway."

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

Mr Bullen, who operated the railway for more than 10 years, said he was "devastated" to hear his application to continue running the attraction was unsuccessful.

He added: "We are saddened by the decision but elated that the railway will continue albeit with new custodians for the future.

"We would like to thank all our thousands of supporters from Poole and further afield for their messages of encouragement and support throughout this difficult time.

"We would like to wish the successful tenderer success and hope the community will support them the way they have supported us over the years.

"Now the position is clear we will arrange to lift some sections of track and fulfil orders for the many people who have ordered mementos."

Borough of Poole said it selected the bid following a robust tender process.

The council said it chose the winning bid based on "who offered the best opportunity to modernise and develop the attraction whilst providing best value, in terms of investment and revenue, for local people".

Final lease negotiations will take place during May, with the aim to get the railway up-and-running by the summer holidays.

Cllr John Rampton, cabinet member for environmental services at Borough of Poole, said: “We are delighted that Friends of Poole Park will be the new operator of this much loved concession.

“We look forward to working closely with this committed charitable group, and to the investment and improvements in the railway.”

An opening weekend to celebrate the new launch of the miniature railway will be announced at a later day.