DORSET’S Jurassic Skyline tower is to be removed after being permanently closed.

Operators have blamed a decrease in visitors to the attraction, which opened in Weymouth in 2012. They said it was an “enormously tough decision” to close it.

The ride, based at the Pavilion peninsula, has been sold to another operator and will be removed in due course. It is understood it will leave the UK.

The attraction is owned by Poole-based Merlin Entertainments, which is set to be taken over in a multi-billion pound deal, subject to shareholder approval in September.

In June, the 53-metre tower failed to reopen for the summer season after being closed for the winter.

Merlin Entertainments declined to comment at the time on whether there were plans for the tower to reopen, or why it had failed to get off the ground.

A statement from Jurassic Skyline released yesterday said: “Jurassic Skyline opened in 2012 as a temporary attraction offering unique views of Weymouth, Portland and the Jurassic Coast. Since then the attraction has welcomed almost 750,000 visitors.

“However, over recent years visitor volume has declined and having thoroughly reviewed all the options on the financial viability of the Jurassic Skyline, we have reached the difficult decision not to extend the life span of this attraction.

“As a result Jurassic Skyline is now permanently closed. This was an enormously tough decision which has been reached with a heavy heart and with the utmost consideration. The ride has been sold to another operator and will be removed in due course.

“We will be working closely with Dorset Council to manage the removal of Jurassic Skyline and reinstatement of the land at the Peninsula in the coming months.

“The permanent team that previously worked at Jurassic Skyline are already working in other roles within Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park. We are reviewing the impact that closing the attraction has on these roles and for anyone affected the local management team, with the assistance of our HR department, will work with each individual staff member on their future careers, whether it be in appropriate posts elsewhere within Merlin or outside of the business. We expect the impact to be minimal.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our staff who have shown amazing commitment and team work over the years. We also want to thank all our wonderful guests for their support.”