Heavy snow prevents Alton Towers opening

Heavy snowfall forced Alton Towers bosses to take the decision to remain closed on Friday.

The decision was revealed on the park’s Twitter and Facebook pages less than 15 minutes before the park would normally open to advance ticket holders – 9am.

The park cited “atrocious weather conditions” as reason for the closure, but has attracted considerable criticism from guests on the social media websites.

The park is planning on opening as normal tomorrow, although it has warned that some of its rollercoasters may unavailable in sub-zero temperatures.

Alton Towers said: “We do appreciate how frustrating it is for people who are planning to visit us, some from long distances, and I would like to assure them that we are doing everything within our power to ensure the Resort is fully open on Saturday.”

The BBC Weather Centre was forecasting heavy snowfall for the area overnight and sub zero temperatures throughout Saturday, casting doubt over the park being able to open.