THE bid to restore Dreamland as a heritage amusement park faces its final hurdle on Tuesday as a public inquiry opens into Thanet council's compulsory purchase of the site.

The council has worked with the Dreamland Trust to secure Heritage Lottery funding for the former fun park.

Dreamland's majority owners, Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company (MTCRC) have alternative plans for the 15-acre plot which feature 474 new homes and a smaller fun park including the Scenic Railway and Sanger's Cages.

Their vision for the seafront cinema is an arts studio and cafe overlooking Margate sands.

Toby Hunter of MTCRC said: "We played an integral role in securing the grants for Dreamland and remain confident in defeating the council's compulsory purchase order.

"We do not believe the trust's phase one proposals can be delivered on their business plan."

A petition has been launched to gather public support for the council's purchase ahead of Tuesday's inquiry.

Nearly 1,000 people have signed up so far to support the Dreamland Trust and Thanet council's vision for a heritage amusement park.

The petition will be available to sign today (Friday) in Ramsgate High Street between 10am and noon, and on Margate High Street tomorrow afternoon from noon to 2pm.