High winds close outdoor rides on Pier

by Nigel Brown Mar 18 2019 2     3,268
Share Tweet Pin it Google Plus

March 18, 2019

 

Strong winds took their toll at Clacton Pier over the last couple of weekends with the outdoor rides closed for two days to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

A decision was taken to close the rides on Saturday (March 16) and it was the same story the previous Sunday (March 10).

On top of this the new porch and entrance booth for the circus on the Jolly Roger Arena was blown away from its fixings and was lodged precariously against the Pier’s railings.

Staff made sure that it was properly secured down, and it will be returned to its normal position in due course.

Nigel Brown, Pier Communications Manager, said that no chances are taken when the winds blow up in the way they have recently.

“Each ride has been properly assessed and when it gusts to a certain level they are closed on health and safety grounds,” he said.

“There have been various incidents around the country in recent years and we all have to be very mindful and make sure that those coming to enjoy our attractions do so in the knowledge they are going to be safe.

“Equally we do not want to put our own staff at risk in those types of conditions.”

Mr Brown added that fortunately the Helter Skelter – which has just returned from its winter holidays in Edinburgh – has been unaffected this time.

“In 2013 it was blown to pieces, quite literally, by high winds and we were keeping our fingers crossed this time,” he said. “It was repaired and made stronger six years ago and that has paid off.”

The new indoor attractions at the Pier, such as Dockside Dodgems, the Discovery Bay soft Play and Skull Point adventure golf have been very busy in the bad weather. It has been a similar situation in the amusement arcade and bowling lanes.


Related Stories

Rides & Activities

Helter Skelter to return to Pier

5 years ago 2

Leave a comment