Arson ride could reopen in a year

The rollercoaster was the centrepiece of Dreamland. (Pic: Michael Doughty)

A Grade II listed rollercoaster damaged in an arson attack a week ago could be rebuilt by next Easter, according to a report by council officers in Kent.

About 40% of the Scenic Railway at the former Dreamland amusement park in Margate was destroyed.

Thanet District Council's planning committee will consider how it could be preserved and repaired later this week.

Officers said it was "considered reasonable to expect the ride might be repaired and operational" by next year.

The wooden rollercoaster, believed to be one of the oldest of its kind left in the world, first opened in 1920 and was damaged in a previous major fire in the 1940s.

Our first priority ever since the fire broke out has been to get the Scenic Railway repaired Sandy Ezekiel, Thanet District Council leader

Last Monday's blaze destroyed about 20% of the tracks, the workshop where the cars were housed and part of the "station".

The engine house, containing the electric motors and winding gear, survived.

Thanet District Council said it hoped the owners of the site, the Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company, would undertake the necessary work.

It said discussions between the council and the owners and their agents were continuing.

Council leader, Councillor Sandy Ezekiel, said: "Our first priority ever since the fire broke out has been to get the Scenic Railway repaired.

"It's clear that, although the fire was exceptionally serious, it's possible that it can be rebuilt and that's exactly what we will be pushing for."