EXACTLY when Poole Park’s miniature railway will reopen remains uncertain, as negotiations over the current track and rolling stock appear to have stalled.

Earlier this year, following a well-publicised tender process, Borough of Poole (BOP) announced local community charity, Friends of Poole Park, as the new operator of the attraction.

BOP chose not to reissue the lease to Chris Bullen, who had run the mini railway for more than a decade.

Now Mr Bullen says he may soon have to start removing the track, as no agreement has been reached with the Friends of Poole Park about its continuing usage.

“As the incumbent tenant we had a 14-day window to negotiate the purchase of the track, the train and the carriages,” said Mr Bullen.

“The 14 days are now up, we only had one meeting with the Friends of Poole Park, when the friends felt that I was going to gift it to them - which is untrue.

“With the kind permission of Borough of Poole, we may soon have to start lifting the track in sections.”

Mr Bullen says the current situation is that one party has the track, the carriage and the train but no permission to run the service, while another party has permission - the contract - but no track, carriages or train.

Meanwhile, BOP says “it is hoped” the park’s mini railway will be open in time for the school summer holidays in late July.

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 chairman Michael Collins said: “The Friends of Poole Park were thrilled to be given the concession and we have proceeded to equip ourselves to be ready to take up this fantastic opportunity.

“There are a number of options open to us about how to get the track running again in the shortest possible time.

“That is our aim and the immediate income gained over the first year will go towards the ongoing development of the railway.”

BOP said it selected the bid following a robust tender process that took place earlier this year.

On the current situation a BOP spokesman said: “The heads of terms for Poole Park Miniature Railway are currently being negotiated and will be agreed prior to the start of operation.

“The final lease will follow later in the year and will be available for public viewing.”