A MINIATURE railway which fell into disrepair in Wat Tyler Country Park could finally be restored after being out of use for nearly five years.

The miniature railway, which runs for more than 1200 yards through the Pitsea park, had been a popular attraction since it opened in 1988 and was extended in 2010.

However, the site fell into disrepair with maintenance and overgrown areas and it has not been in use since around 2019.

The Wat Tyler Park website states the railway is closed until works can be carried out but there is now renewed hope this will happen.

Basildon Council has awarded a two-year contract to Daniel Harrison for the “management and operation” of the miniature railway.

Over the years many residents have taken to social media calling for it to re-open and to be brought back into use.

Craig Rimmer, Conservative councillor for Pitsea South East ward, said the award of the contract is great news as he hopes the site will now finally re-open.

He said: “It is really good news.

“It is something residents and people who use the park have been waiting for, for a long time.

“It has not been operating for years, and people have always asked about when it could be coming back.

“It wasn’t being maintained, and the costs involved in maintaining it weren’t met so it was stopped.

“But it is an attraction for people to enjoy, so it will be great to get it back up and running.

“People are always asking when can we get it back, and now hopefully it can finally happen.

“It is a great thing to have, as it is taking a tour around our natural environment in a much-loved country park. It gives a little tour.”

It is unclear when work will take out, or how much the contract is worth.

Basildon Council say the awarding of the contract supports its ambition to provide and support a range of leisure and community facilities and projects to improve residents’ health and wellbeing.