Theme park Drayton Manor is preparing for administration

Popular UK theme park Drayton Manor is facing the prospect of administration, owners have confirmed.

The Staffordshire-based tourist attraction, which has been open since 1949, has filed notice of its intent to appoint administrators after being closed for several months during 2020.

Flooding caused by Storm Dennis forced the park to temporarily shut in February, whilst the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic led to an additional period of extended downtime.

Despite reopening to visitors on July 4, Drayton Manor is now preparing to bring in administrators – although the park will apparently continue to operate as normal during this period.

According to the Express & Star, Drayton Manor has said it is at a “very advanced stage” of securing “fresh investment” which would prevent job losses.

The park, which has a number of thrill rides, family attractions and a Thomas The Tank Engine-themed area for children, reported a loss of £1.8 million in the year to February 2019.

Fans are said to be devastated by Drayton Manor falling on hard times, with more than 1.5 million visiting the park during a good year.