POOLE council has terminated its contract with the operators of Poole Park’s miniature railway.

The attraction ground to a halt in May following derailments and the mass walk out of staff at director, management and operational levels.

As reported in the Daily Echo last month, the council gave the operators, Friends of Poole Park (FoPP) until mid-June to get the railway back up and running, otherwise their contract could be ripped up.

A council spokesperson said yesterday that they had “no option but to terminate the contract” with FoPP.

Anthony Rogers, recreation and community manager, said: “Following the suspension we asked the operators to provide satisfactory evidence that the necessary organisational, operational and financial plans were in place to enable the service to reopen in a timely manner and be effectively and safely managed in the future.

“Unfortunately they have not been able to provide this, and as the council still has concerns regarding the safe operation of the miniature railway, it has taken the decision to terminate the current tenancy agreement with effect from 3 July 2018.”

The miniature railway had been run by local businessman Chris Bullen for 13 years until Poole council decided not to renew his contract last year. Instead they put the venture out to tender and the FoPP, a Community Interest Company, won the contract.

Cllr John Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for environment and open spaces, said the council awarded the group the contract “based on their bid which included investment and improvements in the railway”.

“However, the track remains in a poor condition and requires investment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience by customers,” he said.

He added: “Poole Park Miniature Railway is a much-loved attraction and the council is committed to ensuring that this remains in Poole Park.

“The council is considering the option to run the service in-house which may continue to involve volunteers. The council has a strong record of working with volunteers and recognises the railway needs professional oversight, both operationally and financially. It’s also a way of retaining income from the railway operation for the benefit of the park.”

“We are looking to the long term and will ensure that the work required to deliver a safe, reliable and sustainable miniature railway in Poole Park is done. The railway has provided a much loved attraction for many decades, and now it badly needs a great deal of TLC. We understand this won’t be a short job, it’s more important to get it right, and there is a lot to be done after so many years.”

The miniature railway has been operating since 1949 and carried passengers on a loop of the park at a gentle 4mph.

More than 40 volunteers, mostly retirees who act as train drivers, guards, engineers and ticket office clerks, went on strike in April following a series of reported disputes with the management over way the service was being run.

The railway was suspended on May 18.