A LEADING theme park company has said it is “very interested” in securing the future of Margate's Dreamland and its historic Scenic Railway.

The news is a boost to campaigners keen to see the famous attraction survive. Campaign founder Nick Laister said: “The plans are still in the early stages but they are very exciting.

“The company is a leading force in Europe and they want to branch out into the UK. They want to change it beyond all recognition and upgrade it but they will build on its heritage and keep the Scenic Railway.”

Executives from the French company are hoping to present their plans to Thanet Council shortly.

Mr Laister, who led the campaign to get the Scenic Railway Grade II status in 1991, said that to lose the ride would have an international significance. He stressed: “We now know that there are only one or two rollercoasters in the world that are older and still in their original location, and it is the only one in the UK.

“This is just as it looked in 1920 right down to the original cars. It is very rare and if lost it would spell the end of Margate as a viable seaside resort.

“If, on the other hand, the French company do carry out their plans, it will put the town at the front of the queue for weekend breaks. Three months ago, the situation looked bleak. Now it looks much rosier.””

The park is due to close in September after owner Jimmy Godden decided to retire and sell up.

There are plans to build a retail and leisure complex. Council leader Sandy Ezekiel and chief executive Richard Samuel met with campaign representatives this week.

He said: “We discussed their plans and a number of wider issues that could be part of the overall masterplan for the regeneration of Margate. It was a positive get together.”

“I do not want it redeveloped to a strictly retail site. It must encompass leisure and tourism as well.”