Planners say ride must be rebuilt

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

A rollercoaster damaged in an arson attack looks set to be rebuilt after town planners decided its restoration should be made a legal requirement.

The Scenic Railway at Margate's former Dreamland amusement park in Kent was badly damaged in the fire last week.

Members of Thanet District Council's Planning Committee met on Wednesday evening to consider measures to ensure that it is preserved and repaired.

It is hoped the Grade II listed ride will be rebuilt by next Easter.

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.

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.