Devon theme park rides stopped by HSE but reopen
GoogleNine rides at a Devon theme park were stopped after a routine inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSE inspected Woodlands Family Theme Park, near Dartmouth, on 26 June as part of its national programme of fairground inspections.
It said "declarations of compliance" were missing after the director of an inspection firm was suspended from the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme. Assurances the nine rides had undergone valid safety checks could not be provided, so they were stopped.
Paperwork was "quickly" produced by an inspection body, the HSE said, and the rides reopened. The park said it would never "be involved in anything related to non-compliance of safety".
Take compliance 'seriously'
HSE inspector Melissa Lai-Hung said the action was taken in the interests of "public safety".
"It is vital that those who enjoy amusement parks are kept safe and feel reassured," she said.
"We thank Woodlands for their co-operation to resolve this matter."
Woodlands Family Theme Park said: "We take HSE-related compliance legislation very seriously."
It said that "as soon as this was brought to our attention, all the rides were re-inspected by another registered inspector".
"We would like to add that at no time would Woodlands ever be involved in anything related to non-compliance of safety.
"We have and will remain totally committed to raising and maintaining standards in our industry."
Which rides were stopped?
• Rocking Tug
• Sea Dragon
• Vertigo
• Trauma Tower
• Tractor Ride
• Submarine Ride
• Dragon Ferris Wheel
• Polar Pilots
• Dizzy Dune Buggies
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