The UK’s oldest rollercoaster is to close forever, sparking a wave of anger and sadness among locals and heritage fans.
Bosses at Dreamland Margate confirmed the historic Scenic Railway has completed its final journey and will now take a ‘well-earned retirement’.
The wooden attraction opened in 1920 and stands as a Grade II* listed structure of international significance.
It has been out of action since August 2024 after a mechanical fault caused damage to the timber tracks.
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Local officials have now called for the decision to be reversed to save the soul of the seaside park.
Councillor Rob Yates told KentOnline he was ‘absolutely fuming’ and accused owners of ‘killing the tradition’ of the site.
He claimed the council has seen no evidence to support claims that the ride requires five hours of daily inspections.
The Margate representative urged parent company Live Nation to rethink the move, citing its status as a global historical landmark.
Dreamland stated the decision followed consultations with the Health and Safety Executive and external ride consultants.
A spokesperson said they are committed to a ‘new beginning’ that will showcase the structure in a fresh way.
The park plans to host an exhibition this summer celebrating the coaster’s century-long history on the Kent coast.
However, Thanet District Council described the news as ‘particularly disappointing’ and warned that any changes require strict legal consent.
Officials noted that planning permission and Historic England consultations are mandatory before the ride’s use can be officially altered.
The council has demanded to see technical reports proving that operating the ride is no longer viable.
Throughout its history, the Scenic Railway survived two devastating fires in 1948 and 2008.
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The latter blaze destroyed 40 per cent of the tracks, leading to a massive rebuilding project to restore the icon, which is the fourth oldest rollercoaster in the world.
Live Nation is now asking the public for ideas on how to honour the ride without it carrying passengers.
The council confirmed it is currently awaiting feedback from proposed public engagement sessions with interest.
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