Alton Towers ‘will mothball rides in 2016’

Flume

Alton Towers will mothball six rides and attractions during the 2016 season, the TowersStreet website is reporting.

The Ripsaw flat ride and the water-type Flume are reportedly not scheduled to reopen, pending removal from the park.

A further four rides – Hex, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Driving School and Nemesis Sub-Terra – are set to remain closed throughout the 2016 season, according to the TowersStreet source.

Operator Merlin Entertainments has previously said it will be “resetting” its 2016 cost base at Alton Towers following the Smiler rollercoaster crash earlier this year.

The park has suffered a considerable fall in visitor numbers and revenue since the 2 June accident, which resulted in two people requiring leg amputations.

Around 190 jobs are also at risk at the park, as it entered into redundancy consultation with non-seasonal staff earlier this month.

Alton Towers has not confirmed its 2016 ride line-up for neither the main season – beginning in March – or the February half-term event, which typically sees a selection of rides and attractions available.

A number of previous cost-saving measures, including shorter opening times and reduced ride availability, have been reversed following negative customer feedback.

The Smiler rollercoaster is expected to reopen next year following a lengthy investigation and design review conducted in conjunction with the ride’s manufacturers, plus an unspecified third party.