coming along...

Last year a campaign by local people in the seaside town of Margate finally saw off a developer who wanted to turn the theme park, which once attracted more than 2 million visitors a year, into shops and housing. Now the park’s fire-damaged grade II-listed Scenic Railway, the first rollercoaster ever constructed in Britain, is being restored plank by plank and the ride will sit alongside 14 others which once thrilled holidaymakers. They range from the original 1920s Dreamland Gallopers to a mini-roller coaster called the Caterpillar and the 1950s Hurricane Jets. A roller disco, children’s pedal-car circuit and pinball hall will all continue the vintage theme, alongside a fish and chip restaurant and cafe, both run by independent businesses.