Will Lightwater Valley ever reopen rollercoaster The Ultimate?

Lightwater Valley theme park near Ripon opened this weekend after more than four months of lockdown. But much-loved rollercoaster The Ultimate, the longest in Europe, remained shut.

Now doubts have been raised as to whether it will ever re-open, as the park re-orients towards a younger audience.

Lightwater Valley welcomed back families and children with new rides such as Go Safari, Hot Air Balloons, and Treetop Trails saying it was wonderful to have visitors return.

However a spokesperson for the park said:

“Whilst the Ultimate will remain at the Park it will not run for the 2021 season.  This is part of a wider development plan for the Park where Lightwater Valley are re-calibrating the visitor experience to more fully encompass families with younger children. Their aim is to offer an exciting, new series of fun adventures and entertainments for an audience which has so often been overlooked.”

 

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The last few years have seen ups and downs for Lightwater Valley, even before being forced to close because of the covid pandemic.

Lightwater Valley’s strategic report for 2019-20 revealed how an accident in May 2019 accident on the Twister ride was a major reason for a significant fall in visitor numbers.  The company was later fined £350,000 for health and safety breaches.

Following the incident the company said it had :

“Undertaken a root and branch review of all its Health and Safety procedures and controls and implemented a range of new initiatives to maximise safety for customers and staff as well as ceasing operation of all the major ‘thrill’ rides.”

 

Lightwater Valley to reopen next month

Lightwater Valley will reopen to visitors on Saturday April 17.

The theme park will initially be operating with reduced capacity and all visitors will need to pre-book tickets online.

Staff will be carrying out on-site cleaning and queue markers will be in place to help visitors keep a safe distance apart.

Manager Colin Bowes said:

“It’s wonderful to be able to start welcoming visitors back again and we are doing everything we can to ensure they can have a great day out in a safe and secure outdoor environment.”

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Visitors will be able to enjoy a series of brand new attractions for the 2021 season including Go Safari, which is described as a sightseeing journey to spot dozens of life-sized animals hiding in the grasslands.

Other rides that will be open include the Little Dipper, Carousel, Skyrider, the Lady Bird rollercoaster and Splash Falls.

Family of boy thrown from Lightwater Valley ride speaks

The family of a boy who fell off a ride at Lightwater Valley, near Ripon, has welcomed the court’s judgement but said it was hard to learn of the theme park’s failings.

York Magistrates Court fined Lightwater Valley Attractions £330,000 on Friday for the incident on May 30 last year.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found several children under 1.5 metres were not wearing seat belts on the Twister ride.

CCTV footage and statements by members of the public backed up this claim.

The HSE also found that belts were not functioning properly and, on several occasions, the final position of the lap bar allowed significant gaps.

Lightwater Valley Twister ride

Lightwater Valley’s Twister ride

The family of the child, who has anonymity for legal reasons, said:

“The guilty plea on all charges by Lightwater Valley marks the closure of what has been a very difficult chapter for me, my son and family.

“It has been hard to learn of the various failings by Lightwater Valley, which include inadequate management, supervision, maintenance, systems of work and risk assessments.

“No one should have to go through what my son and I experienced on that day.

“I hope that lessons have been learned by Lightwater Valley and the industry in general to ensure that something like this never happens again.

“Whilst a fine has been imposed, this will not alter the life changing injuries sustained by my son and the difficulties he continues to endure.

“The public apology by Lightwater Valley is welcomed and I would like to thank them for the way they have assisted with my son’s recovery and continuing rehabilitation.

“I would also like to thank the HSE for the way they have carried out their investigation and the level of support they have provided.

“I have no further statement to make. My family and I would really appreciate privacy so that we can come to terms with what has happened and focus on my son’s recovery and rehabilitation.”

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Lightwater Valley declined to comment on the family’s statement. A spokesperson said after Friday’s court hearing:

“We have from the outset accepted full responsibility for this accident and our sincere and heartfelt apologies go out to the young boy, his family and his friends.

“We have co-operated fully throughout the HSE’s investigation and are carefully considering the fine imposed by the court.

“Since the incident we have been providing support and assistance to the family and will continue to do so.

“The health and safety of visitors to our park remains our top priority and we are determined that an incident such as this will never happen again. We have undertaken a full review of our health and safety systems and procedures following the accident.”

Lightwater Valley fined £330,000 after boy thrown off Twister ride

The company that owns Ripon theme park Lightwater Valley has been fined £330,000 after a child was thrown off its Twister ride and suffered “life-changing” head injuries.

Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd received the fine at York Magistrates Court for the incident on May 30 last year.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive, which regulates workplace health and safety, found that although the theme park’s Twister procedures said those between 1.2 metres and 1.5 metres tall must wear seat belts, several children under 1.5 metres were not wearing seat belts on this ride. CCTV footage and statements by members of the public backed up this claim.

Many belts were found not to be functioning correctly. On several occasions, the final position of the lap bar restraint allowed significant gaps to remain in the containment and did not fully contain smaller passengers.

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Lightwater Valley Attractions Ltd, which is registered in Sherborne, Dorset pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £333,344 and ordered to pay costs of £16,183.

Speaking after Friday’s hearing,, HSE inspector Andrea Jones said:

“A child suffered life-changing head injuries at Lightwater Valley theme park.

“Our investigation found that the theme park did not implement suitable operating procedures and monitoring of ride operators in relation to the ride restraints.

“This was an entirely avoidable incident. Several children were put at risk and Lightwater Valley has now been held to account for their failings.”

The child’s mother spoke of how “the little boy I took to Lightwater Valley that day is not the same boy that woke up after the surgery. I still grieve for my little boy”.

‘Considering the fine’

Lightwater Valley said in a statement:

“We have from the outset accepted full responsibility for this accident and our sincere and heartfelt apologies go out to the young boy, his family and his friends.

“We have co-operated fully throughout the HSE’s investigation and are carefully considering the fine imposed by the court.

“Since the incident we have been providing support and assistance to the family and will continue to do so.

“The health and safety of visitors to our park remains our top priority and we are determined that an incident such as this will never happen again. We have undertaken a full review of our health and safety systems and procedures following the accident.”

Christmas weekend events light up in Harrogate district

Christmas is certainly not cancelled in the Harrogate district. There are plenty of events still going ahead this festive season despite the restrictions.

Under the tier two rules large events can go ahead with 1,000 capacity indoors and 2,000 outdoors.

While it is unlikely that these events will draw in close to those numbers, some have sold out already but there’s plenty more to do.

Drive in cinema at Ripley Village

What-a-movie is returning this Christmas after a successful series of screenings in the summer.

This time Ripley Village, between Harrogate and Ripon, will be the venue of choice for seven Christmas movies on December 19 and 20.

There will be contactless ticket scanning on entry, marshalled parking in bays and snacks can be delivered to cars.

Glow at RHS Harlow Carr

RHS Harlow Carr is holding a special lights event called Glow every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings up to Christmas.

It will also be open three days before new year. Tickets are currently sold out but with some last minute cancellations spaces do occasionally become available.

This year the lights are extended to include the entire length of the streamside and illuminates Harlow Carr’s iconic features.

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Festivities at Fountains Abbey

Sticking with the theme of lights, Fountains Abbey is also holding a special Christmas event this year.

Every weekend in December and from Boxing Day to January 1 the National Trust site near Ripon will be open for a full festive day.

When the sun starts to go down the abbey will glow with bright and colourful lights and while there will be no bands or choirs there will be Christmas songs for a sing a long.

Lightwater Valley Christmas events

Lightwater Valley is also holding a Festive Family Fun day which has been running since the end of November.

The park is lit up with giant lanterns, illuminated sculptures with an Alice in Winterland theme.

There is also a stage featuring festive visitors and puppet performances and rides will be open if the weather allows.

Lightwater Valley manager Colin Bowes recently confirmed that he had added additional dates after a spike in interest.

Enchantica virtual sing along

Tinsel the Elf and Father Christmas, who are normally part of Harlow Carr’s grotto are also going virtual this year.

The pair have produced a festive sing along video to capture the magic of the grotto. It will give children the opportunity to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas.

It is a 20 minute show that starts with a personalised greeting for up to four children and Tinsel will take them on a visit to Santa at the North Pole.

Harrogate district attractions still open during half-term

Despite rising covid levels, many popular venues in the Harrogate district are still planning to hold half-term activities. 

From wicked woodland walks to Halloween haunted villages, events are still scheduled to go ahead. 

Many require pre-booked tickets, and have made covid-compliant adjustments. 

Fountains Abbey is going ahead with its annual Fountains by Floodlight event, which will take place every evening between October 19 and 25. However, this year it will replace the usual choir with recorded music.

Jennifer Taylor, senior visitor experience officer at the site, said:

“We have worked hard to adapt the event to keep everybody safe.

“There are a few changes this year. We have limited tickets which must be booked in advance and only the abbey ruins will be illuminated.”

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Other attractions have adopted a spookier theme. 

Newby Hall, near Ripon, is turning its miniature railway into a ghost train and Lightwater Valley, which is also near Ripon, is opening up a Halloween trick or treat street as well as its usual rides. 

In Knaresborough, Mother Shipton’s Cave is offering a spooky forest and haunted village experience, while Birchfield Farm in Summerbridge is inviting families to pick their own pumpkins during October. 

Stump Cross Caverns, in Greenhow Hill, is running potion workshops on October 31 and November 1. 

With covid restrictions liable to change, do check with the venues to see if their plans change.

 

Huge demand for Christmas attractions as booking opens

Attractions across the Harrogate district have reported record levels of interest in their Christmas activities this year.

From visits to Santa’s Grotto to illuminated woodland walks, some of the most popular annual events are still scheduled to go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic.

However, with some significant events cancelled – including Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Christmas markets – and places at those going ahead reduced to allow for social distancing, tickets have been in high demand.

At RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate, booking opened last week for the annual Glow installation. Held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings up to Christmas, as well as three days before new year, the event sold 25% of its tickets within the first week.

Organisers said they have reduced capacity and introduced a full pre-booking system for the first time in order to control visitor numbers, and they will be implementing the same enhanced cleaning measures currently being used for daytime visits.

However, the annual Stories with Santa sessions have had to be called off because they cannot be held safely under covid restrictions. A spokesman said they were hoping to reinstate the event in 2021. She added:

“As with all visitor attractions, it’s hard to compare numbers for this year and previous years due to the impact of covid. However, taking the last full month of September as an example, September 2020 is the second best September on record for Harlow Carr, even with a booking system in place, which is very encouraging.”

Alice in Winterland illuminations at Lightwater Valley

The Alice in Winterland illuminations will open at Lightwater Valley in November.

At Lightwater Valley near Ripon, extra availability has had to be added to the Festive Family Fun days running from late November. New family tickets have been released for Friday nights to enable more people to visit.

The park will be lit with giant lanterns and illuminated sculptures with an Alice in Winterland theme, there will be a stage featuring festive visitors and puppet performances and rides will be open if the weather allows.

Lightwater Valley manager Colin Bowes said:

“We’re delighted with the enthusiastic response we have had from people wanting to attend our festive event.

“Understandably Christmas spirit is in high demand this year, so we’ve decided to add these additional dates to ensure even more families can enjoy our Festive Family Fun event in a safe, socially-distanced way.”

At Harewood House, the Santa experience has already sold out, but the house, grounds and gardens will be transformed with the Upon a Christmas Wish theme from mid-November until January 3.

The venue has more than 20 events taking place in the run-up to Christmas, from shopping experiences to wreath-making workshops as well as festive afternoon teas. Pre-booking is essential and some events are already fully booked.

Other attractions

At Stockeld Park, Christmas Adventure tickets go on sale next week, and are expected to sell out quickly based on the popularity of the venue’s Halloween events.

Brimham Rocks Adventure Farm has just put its Christmas Experience tickets on sale, with limited numbers compared to previous years.

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Stump Cross Caverns has opportunities to meet Santa and receive a gift, with advance booking recommended. ‘Rocking’ Santa will meet families of up to six people in the cinema room and organisers said places are already proving popular.

Fountains Abbey is holding Carols by Candlelight on Sundays, December 6 and 13, rather than its usual single date. Full details of its storytime with Father Christmas events will be released nearer the time.

Birchfield Farm has said it will not hold its usual Christmas activities this year.

Ripon quarry submits plans to work 4 million tonnes of limestone

Plans have been submitted to work an extra four million tonnes of limestone at a quarry next to Lightwater Valley theme park.

Limestone has been extracted at Potgate Quarry in North Stainley since the 1980s to create on-site concrete as well as for use in construction and road-building across North Yorkshire.

Lightwater Quarries Limited, which owns the quarry, said the amount of available limestone has been decreasing so it has applied to North Yorkshire County Council for an extension to the site to extract a further four million tonnes over a period of 20 years.

A map of the quarry and the proposed extension.

An environmental report attached to the application found that vibrations from the quarry would have a “slight adverse” impact on nearby houses. It also says that work at the site will cause some disturbance to local wildlife such as great crested newts.

However, as extraction works come to an end on other parts of the site, these areas will be restored with a patchwork of agricultural fields, woodland and grassland.

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The area is of archaeological importance dating back to the Iron Age or Roman period and an investigation would take place if the plans are passed.

In 2013, archaeologists unearthed an Iron Age enclosure while excavating land at the edge of the quarry.

North Yorkshire County Council will decide on the plans in November.

WATCH: Lightwater Valley reopens at 30% capacity

Lightwater Valley theme park is open to the public again and running at 30% capacity.

To ensure social distancing around the park three of its rides – the Ultimate, Raptor Attack and Apollo – have been closed and the number of visitors has been limited. The park is targeting young families for the summer season.

Colin Bowes, general manager, said:

“We’re working at 30% capacity at the moment so we can control the distancing the best we can.”

rollercoaster at lightwater valley theme park

The park has plans to increase its capacity a little but will continue to measure this with visitor safety.

The park reopened on July 18 bringing all of its full time staff back to work. Due to the lower capacity only 150 seasonal staff have been hired, 100 fewer than the 2019.

Mr Bowes added:

“What we’re trying to do is keep the business going and protect jobs.”

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Fears for school transport as 95 drivers protest in Ripon

Home to school transport could be under threat if coach companies are not given support to survive the summer.

That is the warning from a Nidderdale operator which took part in a peaceful protest with almost 100 coaches this week.

John Murgatroyd, of long-standing firm Murgatroyd Coach Hire, based near Thruscross reservoir, said the industry has been devastated over the last four months – and there is still no sign of it recovering.

“From mid-March, everything was cancelled throughout our diary to the end of the year. It has been zero income from then until now.”

The family firm usually makes its money from UK and continental holidays and, under current government legislation, could operate on a reduced level with social distancing in place. However, even with demand from their usual passengers, coach companies are struggling to put together holidays. Mr Murgatroyd said:

“Hotels say it’s hardly worth opening with reduced numbers. If we cross the hotels hurdles, there’s nothing open anyway so there’s nothing for people to go to.”

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The protest this week saw dozens of operators convene at Lightwater Valley, with some travelling in convoy from the North-East. It was part of a Europe-wide ‘Honk for Hope’ movement aiming to draw attention to the struggles of the coach industry.

Organiser Jenna Rush, of North East Coach Travel, said the theme park outside Ripon was chosen as the meeting point for the 95 coaches because it relies heavily on school visits from across the region, most of which are organised through coach companies. She said:

“I don’t think the coach industry is recognised enough. We bring £7bn a year in for the UK economy, and we support schools and help millions of children with home to school transport.

“Even the airlines, when they cancel or divert a flight, we’re the ones moving passengers around. I don’t think people realise how much we do for the country.”

She said the coach industry needs to make enough money through its busy summer months to survive the quieter winter period. The coronavirus crisis has meant it’s facing an “18-month winter” and many operators may not survive.

Her views were echoed by Mr Murgatroyd, who said when the volcanic ash crisis grounded thousands of flights in 2010, Murgatroyd’s had most of its fleet out in Europe repatriating people who had become stranded. He accused the government of having short memories, being quick to use operators in a crisis but offering no support when the coach industry needs it.

Murgatroyd Coach Travel was founded in 1935

Murgatroyd Coach Travel was founded in 1935 by John Murgatroyd’s grandfather

Mr Murgatroyd added that, if coach operators are unable to get through the summer, school transport may be badly hit in the autumn. The family firm transports children from outlying villages to Nidderdale High School and Harrogate Grammar School, as well as one rural primary.

Along with others in the industry, it has furloughed its staff – but with the government pushing businesses to take on more responsibility for the furlough money from next month, he fears some coach companies will have be forced to make cuts.

“We’re trying to hang on as long as we can. Everybody I speak to – lots of the operators – the majority are small, like us, second or third generation family firms.

“This [protest] stemmed from Germany, where the government is supporting their industry with something like 160m Euros. We want something along those lines. It would allow us to keep going. Anything is better than nothing.”

A spokesman for Lightwater Valley said:

“The coach industry is a vital element to the ongoing success of the park and the loss of groups’ business so far this year, as a result of the lockdown, is a major cause for concern. We would urge the government to look at ways to help support coach companies over the coming weeks and months as, without some sort of financial help, many of them are facing closure.”