Yahoo News Beloved UK theme park closes suddenly after 50 years as fans call it a 'real loss'
A popular theme park in the UK has closed with immediate effect after 50 years in operation - as fans and families share their upset over the move.
Bosses at Flambards Theme Park, which is located in Cornwall, announced the sudden closure of the tourist attraction on Monday citing ‘rising costs and a steady decline in visitor numbers’.
The park, which has been operating since 1976 when it was first named Cornwall Aero Park, featured a number of attractions including the Skyraker, the Colorado River Log Flume, Thunderdome and the Human Cannonball.
The park, which featured the mascot Ferdi, also featured a life-size Victoria Village featuring around 50,000 artefacts, as well as a Jurassic Adventure land featuring a number of dinosaur replicas.
In a statement issued to fans at the start of the week via the theme park’s website, bosses wrote: "It is with great regret we have to announce Flambards Theme Park will close its doors permanently with immediate effect.
“This difficult decision was reached only after all possible avenues had been exhausted and we fully recognise the impact of this closure on the local community and the sense of loss that it may bring.”
The park had originally been saved from closure in 2012, with the current owners behind Flambards investing 'significant and ongoing’ sums to restore the area. However, it has now been decided that further investment was ‘unsustainable’.
The statement added: “Over the years, Flambards has strived to evolve, overcoming numerous challenges to continue bringing joy to families and visitors from across the region.
“Unfortunately, this year saw the retirement of several older thrill rides, as the increasing difficulty of sourcing specialised parts and maintenance expertise became insurmountable.”
Owners of the park said the Victorian Village space also required ‘extensive remedial work’ but it was hoped that ‘alternative options’ could be found in order to ‘preserve and honour’ the unique attraction.
It has also been announced that indoor play centre Ferdi’s Funland will now reopen on November 17 as a standalone attraction. Bosses added: “Flambards has been a cherished destination for generations, and it is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell.
“To our loyal supporters and dedicated team, who have given their unwavering commitment through difficult times, we extend our sincerest gratitude. Thank you for making Flambards a special place.”
Author and historian Richard van Emden said: “Absolutely gutted that Flambards visitor attraction in Helston, Cornwall has closed permanently from today. The Victorian streets were the best recreation of its kind in the Uk and the Blitz experience was excellent too. I have been so many times over the years. A real loss.”
The news was met with sadness and upset from many of the park’s loyal visitors. Reporter Lee Trewhela wrote: “Terribly sad news about Flambards … it wasn’t Alton Towers but it was peculiarly Cornish and was a rite of passage for all children and parents in Cornwall. Someone please save the Victorian Village!”
Content creator Coaster Joey posted: “Extremely sad news about Flambards Theme Park. So many smaller parks are no longer economically viable because people are more selective about what they do with their leisure time, which means that less people are actually “going out”. Sad times indeed."
Popular YouTube channel Theme Park Worldwide posted: “It’s always sad when another UK theme park closes its doors. On this sad day we send our best wishes to the staff that worked at the park.” Another fan, Adrian Cutts, wrote: "I wonder where Britain's most southerly rollercoaster will be now..."
GJ Norman wrote: “Went for the first time this summer and really enjoyed the Museum. The kids had a really good day out on the rides. Such a shame it's closing.”
Le Lupin wrote: “My mum’s childhood park - visited for the first time this year just after some of the major rides had gone, it was a good day, shame to see it close.” Don Grace added: “Another part of my childhood gone. Good luck to all of the staff.”
