Lake District theme park: Thousands oppose Langdale quarry plans

The plans involve installing a high ropes course and rollercoaster in Elterwater Quarry

Thousands of people have signed a petition opposing turning a Lake District quarry into a "theme park".

Plans are being developed to install a rollercoaster-style ride, high-rope courses and zip lines at Elterwater quarry in Langdale Valley.

Opponents said it was an "unsuitable" location and would increase traffic.

Quarry owners Holker Group said it would become a "heritage attraction" and include educational elements about the area's geology.

The online petition was started at the weekend by a group called Zip Off Langdale.

It said: "Langdale is the jewel in the crown of the Lake District, and its natural beauty, landscapes, traditions, and tranquillity attract tourists and locals alike.

"It is not a suitable location for theme park rides."

The quarry project, which is still in its early stages, currently includes a toboggan-style "Cavern Coaster" that would take passengers through forested areas, reclaimed quarry land and culminate in an underground section through the caverns, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

There would also be "Quarry Explorer" high ropes courses and viewing spots to enable those not taking part to watch on.

Among those opposing the plans is Lakes parish councillor Jean Birkett, who described it as a step too far for the area.

She said: "We're full of tourists, we've got pubs, hotels... it's a tourist valley.

"We don't need to bring another 80,000 cars in here where there is no parking and the roads are terrible."

As for the proposed jobs, she said: "I've talked to loads of people and there's not one mentioned about working there."

'Educate people'

A Holker Group spokesman said the attraction would "bring out the history of the Lake District stone-quarry industry" and explain "how slate has influenced the vernacular" of the national park.

"We are keen to educate people with the history of this business that we have been in for over 200 years," he said.

"It's an immersive experience where people will move around the quarry void and quarry caverns."

Stakeholder engagement to date had been "both positive and reassuring" and the company would continue to listen to the aspirations of numerous interest groups.

A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority told the BBC it had not yet received a planning application for the site.