NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

Rogue Alton Towers Resort Squirrel drives park bosses nuts!
Squirrel banned from Sonic Spinball coaster

Employees at the Alton Towers Resort have been forced to ban a dare-devil squirrel from its revamped Sonic Spinball coaster after a series of incidents. The grey haired squirrel, native to the United States of America, has been causing mischief during the ride’s recent makeover and is continuing to cause headaches for the resort as it prepares to launch the ride for half term on 13 February.

The squirrel, aptly nicknamed ‘Sonic’ by operators due to his maverick nature, first baffled workers who noticed that he was riding the coaster as it was tested in the mornings. Sonic has also been accused of flagrantly stealing workers snacks.

As the resort gears up for the main season opening on 20th March, Sonics’ antics will no longer be tolerated as he presents a health and safety risk.
Harmless alarms have now been installed that emit a warning noise, inaudible to human ears, that will hopefully ensure he avoids the ride for the foreseeable future.
Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director at the Alton Towers Resort said, “We’re proud to welcome guests of all kinds to the Alton Towers Resort and strive to make their visit pleasurable. Unfortunately Sonic’s behaviour is a danger both to our guests and himself and so we’re doing all we can to ensure that he stays away from the ride! Banning a squirrel from a rollercoaster is certainly unusual, but I suppose there’s a first time for everything! ”

Sonic Spinball opens to the public this February half term (13-21 February) at the Alton Towers Resort and joins a number of selected rides and attractions available for the half term holiday. For further information on pricing, short break stays and to book online, please visit www.altontowers.com.

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For further information please call 0207 693 6999 or email altontowers@frankpr.it

Notes to editors:

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 59 attractions and six hotels/ 2 holiday villages in 13 countries and across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 35 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13,500 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo, Underwater Adventures, Heide Park and Earth Explorer.