Theme park promises new rides for 'younger market'

Flambards announced on Wednesday that it was removing several of its rides

A theme park in Cornwall says it is planning new rides for young people days after it announced the closure of several of its rides.

Flambards Theme Park in Helston announced the closure of a number of its rides on Wednesday and said the reason was the "ongoing shortage" of specialist parts for maintenance.

"We can’t go into any details at this stage but Flambards’ aim is to introduce new rides that are more suited to the younger market going forward," a spokesman said on Friday.

Helston's mayor, Paul Kenchington, said that while "some people" said the theme park would close, he believed it "is here and it'll stay".

Flambards announced a temporary closure from 10 June until 1 July as the machinery was removed and a reduced ticket price when it reopened.

Mr Kenchington told the BBC: "It did come out of the blue, however, you have to remember that last year there was an incident at Flambards where the Health and Safety Executive had to be involved, a ride was taken offline because it was getting worn."

"I know that some people are saying it's just a big plan for Flambards to close. I don't think it is," he said.

Flambards announced it will close between 10 June and 1 July while some of its rides are removed

On Wednesday Flambards told season ticket holders that those who had visited less than three times since March would receive a partial refund.

However, on Friday a spokesperson clarified the situation for season ticket holders.

They said passholders that continued to visit the park would be eligible for a £20 refund and free kart track rides for the rest of the season.

They added that if they wanted to cancel their passes, they would receive a full refund.

'Temporary blip'

Bernard Donoghue, director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA), said theme parks are "entirely dependent on specific manufacturers" and are "vulnerable" in the cost-of-living crisis.

He said people continued to want "great days out" over the summer months.

Mr Donoghue said: "While this is a temporary blip, we're looking at being optimistic for the rest of the year."

Malcolm Bell, the executive chair of Visit Cornwall, also viewed the positives of the situation.

He said: "It is a shame that they have had to reduce the rides but they will be reopening at a lower price and provide an all-weather family attraction."