MOBILE theme park Funderworld should become a permanent fixture in Bournemouth to boost the town's family appeal, a councillor has claimed.

Funderworld, the largest travelling theme park in the UK, is at King's Park until Sunday, September 5.

But Boscombe West Councillor Philip Stanley-Watts said he would like to see the council open talks with the operators about finding a permanent site.

He said: "I was pushing last year for a permanent site for Funderworld and I still hope a suitable location can be found.

"It's not just a fun fair, it could be an all-year family attraction. I've got a family and we were impressed with it last year.

"Bournemouth, and Boscombe in particular, needs more family attractions and this could be just what's needed."

Funderworld's attractions include the 50 metre high Big Ben, where passengers are accelerated upwards at a speed of 30 metres per second, the Mighty Mouse rollercoaster, the Mighty Frisbee and a water rapids ride that is unique to the UK.

Mike Chubb, spokesperson for Funderworld, said: "We've not had any discussions with the council about this but obviously if they were interested in discussing it with us, we would be happy to talk.

"We had about 40,000 visitors when we were in Bournemouth last year and we're hoping those who came last year will come back this year.

"It was such a good time last year, we love Bournemouth and King's Park is a really nice site."

First published: August 14