Alton Towers closes its waterpark after guests fall unwell and complain of eye and throat irritation
- Police, ambulance crews and the fire service are in attendance at the scene
- Theme park is due to open in three weeks while the water park is already open
- But at 1pm today, bosses made the decision to close it after health complaints
Theme park Alton Towers has closed its water attraction after guests and staff reported feeling unwell.
Police, ambulance crews and the fire service are in attendance after a number of people complained of eye and throat irritation.
The water park – featuring slides, water cannons and pools – has been open daily from 10am-4pm, but park bosses took the decision to close around 1pm today.
An air ambulance was dispatched to treat sufferers.
A resort spokesperson said: ‘At around 1 o’clock today we took the decision to close the Waterpark after a small number of people reported irritation of the eyes and throat.
Alton Towers amusement park has been closed for the winter break and is due to open in three weeks’ time, while the water park (pictured) has been open daily
‘We are working with West Midlands Ambulance Service and Staffordshire Fire Brigade to investigate.
‘All affected guests are being offered medical treatment, and their tickets will be refunded or revalidated.’
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to the park and dispatched three crews.
They said in a statement: ‘We were called to the water park at Alton Towers Resort at 1.50pm this afternoon following reports of staff and guests with irritation to the eyes and throat.
‘Crews from Leek, Cheadle and Uttoxeter are currently in attendance and carrying out an assessment.’
Staffordshire Police confirmed they were also at the scene.
They said: ‘Staffordshire Police were called at 1.45pm today by colleagues from the ambulance service to a report of staff and guests at the Alton Towers Resort water park complaining of irritation to the eyes and throat.
‘Officers are currently at the scene.’
West Midlands Ambulance Service said an air ambulance was dispatched to the ongoing incident.
‘We were called to the water park at Alton Towers at 1.33pm to reports of patients feeling unwell,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We sent a number of resources, including the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, three paramedic officers and an ambulance who are currently treating a number of patients at the scene.’
Alton Towers amusement park has been closed for the winter break and is due to open in three weeks’ time.
A resort spokesperson said: ‘At around 1 o’clock today we took the decision to close the Waterpark after a small number of people reported irritation of the eyes and throat’
Asked by a person on social media earlier today whether Alton Towers theme park will still open in three weeks despite today’s set back, the social media account responded saying that it is ‘business as usual.’
‘Hello! Our operation are not currently affected – it’s very much “business as usual” – will we be seeing you for opening weekend?’
Merlin Entertainment oversees Alton Towers, as well as other UK attractions Thorpe Park, Legoland and Sea Life.
It was reported earlier today that they told their staff not to travel to ‘higher-risk countries’.
A Merlin spokesman said: ‘The health and safety of our guests and our staff is always our top priority and we will take all necessary precautions to ensure their continued welfare.
‘We have restricted employee travel to higher-risk countries, implemented enhanced cleaning regimes at our attractions, and informed our teams of coronavirus symptoms as well as the importance of good hygiene practices.’
A confirmed case of coronavirus in Buxton is the closest to the Staffordshire site, with just over 20 miles between the two places.