Alton Towers faces High Court trial over noise complaints
Submitted by Nick Sim on Friday, May 4, 2012 08:12
A couple who live close to the entrance of Alton Towers have been granted the right to a High Court trial over complaints that the theme park generates too much noise.
The park's owners, Merlin Entertainments Group, have been locked in a dispute with Stephen and Suzanne Roper since 2002. The couple want to claim damages over the noise levels created by Alton Towers' rides and guests, and to force it to relocate or even remove some of the loudest attractions.
The Ropers' original claim was rejected in January 2011, but the decision was later reversed. This is Staffordshire reports that Merlin has now lost an appeal against that decision, and faces a battle in the courts with the Farley residents. The group must also pay £8,500 towards the couple's legal costs.
Alton Towers has taken steps to reduce noise levels in recent years, including removing the "drop" sound that once accompanied the Oblivion roller coaster. However, these actions were not seen as going far enough by the Ropers, who have lived near the park since 1968.
Really?
Merlin are not going to move their rides around for a couple of old biddies who happen to live a bit close to the park. If they were to do this they would set a precedent for their other parks and attractions, meaning every Tom, Dick, and Sheila would make claims.
What these people need to do is sell up and move away. Let a rollercoaster fanatic buy their property who would love to live so close to a great park.
Oh and if Merlin has to pay £8,500 in fees it's hardly going to touch the bottom of the pot, they take more in a day in parking charges :p
Drop
And put the 'drop' back on Oblivion and pay their moving costs!
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