Thanet District Council has written to the Culture Secretary asking for DCMS to intervene in the proposed closure of Margate’s Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest wooden roller coaster.

The move comes after Dreamland operator Live Nation announced last week it would cease operating the Grade-II*-listed attraction, which had “come to the end of its current life.”

“Helen Whitehead, deputy leader of Thanet District Council, has written to Lisa Nandy insisting the ride is of ‘international importance’ and of historical and cultural significance,” reported the BBC.

“Even though the Kent seaside attraction has been out of action since developing a structural fault in 2024, TDC says the rollercoaster is an ‘intrinsic’ part of the Dreamland amusement park.”

The announcement by Live Nation was met with condemnation from local councillors, residents and businesses, with Jane Bishop, owner of the Walpole Bay Hotel, telling reporters the Scenic Railway was an “important artefact,” while councillor Rob Yates said he was “absolutely fuming” over the decision.

Local resident Nicholas Chamberlain added “I think it’s shocking and it’s a big loss for Margate, to be honest.”

“Since it got rebuilt it has brought people in from all over the world,” he told the BBC.