It’s a sad, sad day for adrenaline junkies and Thomas lovers today, as Tamworth based theme park, Drayton Manor, has reportedly filed a notice of its intent to appoint administrators.

The theme park and zoo has been owned by the Bryan family since 1950 and is one of the region’s most well loved attractions.

Is this the final plunge for Drayton Manor?

It’s rumoured that Mellors Group that owns Fantasy Island in Skegness was positioning itself to acquire the attraction, but they’ve remained tight lipped about any such deal.

Commenting on the news, one social media user said, “I really hope this isn’t true . We have had soo many good memories here.”

Coronavirus & losses at the park

The park reopened on 4 July 2020 following several months of enforced closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will have undoubtedly battered the company’s finances.

In its last accounts the attraction reported losses of £1.8million, which covered the year February 2019. The previous period showed a loss of £3.9million.

Despite the bad news, Drayton Manor’s owners are understood to have told staff in an email that the Staffordshire theme park and zoo will continue to “operate as normal.”

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