Theme park 'different' to Universal's plans nearby

Kelly Richardson said Wicksteed Park and the plans for a "thrill-seeking" attraction an hour away could not be compared "like with like"

The managing director of one of the UK's oldest theme parks said it would continue to offer something "different" as plans for a Universal Studio nearby progress.

Earlier this year, an appeal was launched to save Wicksteed Park, in Kettering, Northamptonshire - founded in 1921 - amid "unprecedented financial difficulties".

Universal has sought planning permission for a new attraction in Bedford, about an hour away, which could feature some of the biggest rides in Europe.

Kelly Richardson said the two parks could not be compared "like with like", and said Wicksteed was "very different to thrill-seeking parks".

Visitors currently enjoy free access to the 291-acre (114-hectare) park, but must pay for parking and individual rides.

Wicksteed also offers venues for weddings and parties and also Kettering's Parkrun.

"Not everyone comes here for the rides," said Ms Richardson.

"Universal is going to be a major park with high-octane fully immersive ride experiences.

"For many people it will be a once in a generation visit.

"The beauty of Wicksteed Park is that it's free to enter, you can visit as many times as you like and have a different experience every time you come here."

The park has been open to the public since August 1921

Despite its financial worries, Ms Richardson said charging people to access the parkland "would be the last thing we would want to do".

She said: "We're not unique in experiencing those [financial challenges].

"Across the industry there are recent reports of theme parks in the UK closing down.

"We've always relied on tickets and wristbands to the rides and attractions [to] generate enough income to keep this wonderful green open space open for free - and that's getting harder and harder."

The park in Kettering was founded in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed. It has created fond memories for generations of people from the area.

It has also been a centre for theme park innovation.

Its log flume - opened in 1926 - is said to be one of the oldest water-based rides in the world.

Wicksteed Park's rides include the Dinosaur Valley rollercoaster