ABSTRACT
In early January 2003, the local press confirmed that the owner of Dreamland was indeed considering closing the park and redeveloping it. The Dreamland site found itself vulnerable to attack from vandals and arsonists almost immediately. A large fire destroyed Mr. G's Amusement Arcade on the seafront, as well as damaging the neighbouring Funland arcade. These arcades backed onto Dreamland site. Mr. G's, as the name implies, was owned by Jimmy Godden. The operator of Dreamland in the 2003 season, David Wallis, told the local press that he believed Dreamland to be viable and confirmed that he would be interested in operating the park again for 2004 season. Dreamland reopened for the 2005 season but David Wallis was not able to agree terms with owner, so the park was leased to another showman, Harry Ayers. Many considered this to be one of Dreamland's worst seasons for many years, with the park's appearance looking poor, and its opening dates erratic.
