Fence secures Dreamland 'coaster

The Scenic Railway was badly damaged in an arson attack in April

A £40,000 security fence has been built round the site of Margate's Grade II listed Scenic Railway rollercoaster at the former Dreamland amusement park.

Thanet District Council has erected the £40,000 fence to protect the remains of the structure, which was badly damaged in an arson attack in April.

"The priority was to secure it so we can make sure sure it gets properly repaired," said spokesman Brian White.

He said the cost would be recovered from the owner of the site.

Full repairs

He said initial meetings with Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company had been encouraging.

"The intention of the owners is to carry out full repairs so the ride does become operable again," he said.

"But so far we have seen little progress and there is no date when the work will start.

"Local residents can be confident the council has done absolutely the right thing.

"The Scenic Railway is very important to people in Margate - it is very much an emblem, almost an icon, for the town."