Margate residents, councillors and businesses owners have expressed their fury after the operator of Dreamland announced it would be closing the 106-year-old Scenic Railway this year, the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster.

Critics lambasted Live Nation’s decision to “reimagine the purpose” of the Grade II*-listed attraction “in a fresh and meaningful way,” after inspections from ADIPS and HSE reportedly ruled out its future use as a ride.

“I’m absolutely fuming,” said Thanet councillor Rob Yates. “The information as a councillor that I’ve received is that the railway needs five hours of inspection each day, and I’ve had it confirmed that there’s no evidence being given to the council to back this up.”

“It’s killing the tradition of it being a theme park. I want Live Nation to rethink this decision. The council did not sell them the amusement park for them to close the scenic railway.”

Birchington North councillor George Kup said he was “disappointed” by the decision, adding “for something this significant to Margate, people deserve to understand how this conclusion was reached.”

Comments were disabled on Live Nation’s Facebook post announcing the decision, but a “creative callout” for ways to reimagine the ride was met with derision from local businesses.

“We would like Margate’s precious, listed Scenic Railway reimagined as a working rollercoaster with owners who care about our town’s heritage,” said the Shell Grotto.