POOLE Park Railway should be running again by the end of this year, after successful tender bids for the track and engine shed.

BCP Council officials have confirmed new train carriages will be sourced and that volunteer training is set to take place.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment, cleansing and waste at BCP Council, said: "The iconic Poole Park Railway is a much-loved local attraction for local families, tourists and train enthusiasts.

"I recall my grandparents taking me on the train and my parents and I taking my children on the train, and I want to ensure that I will be able to do the same when I have grandchildren, so I’m delighted that things are now moving forward with the tender for the new track and engine shed going live.

"We recognise that this local attraction means a lot to local people, which is why we’ve included it in our Big Plan to rejuvenate Poole, making our green spaces more attractive to everyone.

"Alongside other improvements that have taken place at Poole Park recently, this will provide much enjoyment in the park for years to come."

In February, BCP Council’s cabinet agreed to allocate £350,000 investment to secure the long-term future of the mini railway.

Alongside a grant secured by the Parks Foundation, enhancements to make the service operational again include a redesigned and relayed track, a new, longer engine shed and a new train and carriages with improved access and safety features.

The railway was initially suspended in 2018 after a series of issues, including derailments and staff shortages.

In 2019, planning permission was granted for the demolition and replacement of its engine shed while the 640m track also needs to be relaid.

A tender for this work was advertised in a bid to have the work completed by last summer but the scheme was put on hold.

Then cabinet member councillor Felicity Rice said the decision had been made because “market forces had changed”.

A BCP Council spokesman said: "Following successful tender bids for the track and engine shed, the new train and carriages will be sourced, with volunteer training to make the railway operational taking place later in the year."