PROGRESS is taking place on a much-loved family attraction in Poole ready for opening in 2022.

Work at Poole Park Railway is under way, with the tracks removed now ready for the replacements early this year.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: "Work continues at pace. The railway works, complete with new engine shed, are not expected to be finished before April 2022."

Following a successful tender process, Track Systems, based in Shropshire, began work on site during the first week of December.

Read more: Next summer the new target for return of Poole Park Railway

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment, cleansing and waste, said: “Getting Poole Park Railway up and running again has been a commitment we wanted to fulfil since the service was suspended in 2018.

"Rejuvenating Poole is a key priority of us and bringing the railway back on track reinforces this commitment. It is a special asset, which has been a feature since 1949, and I’m so pleased that we will soon see it back in action."

Read more: Details confirmed on new £113k engine and carriages for Poole Park Railway

A public information event in December saw residents able to have a look at the plans, meet the contractor and speak with the main people involved.

The budget for the project is £480,000.

Last month (December), the council responded to questions from the Daily Echo over the procurement of the engine and rolling stock.

A spokesperson said this exercise for the rolling stock will see one electric engine and two carriages procured, at present.

One of the carriages will be accessible to wheelchairs and also have a roof, the council said.

To cover any potential issues with the delivery of the electric engine, the local authority said an interim engine would be sourced as a contingency to meet the summer reopening deadline.

The contract for the rolling stock was given was awarded to Track Systems UK Ltd last month, with a value of £113,000.

Planning permission was granted for the replacement engine shed in August 2019.