COMMITTEE members approved plans to bring Poole Park’s miniature railway back into public ownership at a meeting on Tuesday evening.

Borough of Poole’s place overview and scrutiny committee backed a £350,000 investment in the popular attraction, with a view to having it up and running again by summer 2019.

Management will become the responsibility of the council’s culture and community service department, although it is hoped volunteers will remain involved.

BOP recreation and community manager Anthony Rodgers said previously: "The safe operation of the Poole Park Miniature Railway has always been the council's main concern.

"We have been careful to consider a wide range of options and feel this approach will deliver a reliable and sustainable miniature railway in the future, keeping this much-loved attraction in Poole Park."

Council bosses terminated their contract with the Friends of Poole Park (FoPP) in June after the charity was put on notice. The service was suspended the month earlier following derailments and a mass walkout of volunteers and staff.

The railway has not operated since May.