FOLLOWING the cancellation of its contract to run Poole Park’s 10¼in gauge miniature railway, the charity that had been operating it on a not-for-profit basis has offered its entire stock fleet for sale.
The Borough of Poole cancelled the contract with the Friends of Poole Park following derailments and a mass walkout of staff and volunteers.
The Friends group has now advertised its steam outline locomotive, Princess Swee’Pea, for £18,000 and six carriages for £16,000 on its Facebook page.
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Originally built in 1990 by Alan Keef, and rebuilt in 2012 by RVM engineering, Princess Swee’Pea is a diesel hydraulic tender engine.
However, the council’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment and open spaces, Coun John Rampton, said that any sale of these assets must comply with the rules of the Charity Commission.
Chris Bullen, who previously ran the railway for 12 years before the council refused to renew his contract last year, has now said he would be interested in working with the local authority to get the line running again.
Coun Rampton said: “Poole Park Miniature Railway is treasured by so many people, both users and volunteers. It is important the council carefully considers all the options and fully understands what is required to deliver a safe, reliable and sustainable miniature railway attraction.”
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