Hornets Nest looks set to be a hit at the park amongst thrill seekers, why did the management opt to purchase this ride and what alternatives were also considered?

We needed a thrill ride/attraction to replace the Mexican Hat/Octopus which was similar in size and not too expensive, also something slightly different which appeals to teenagers. Hornets Nest fulfils the brief.

In recent years, there have been numerous rumours regarding the future of The Ultimate. Can you confirm the ride is safe and is part of the park’s future plans?

The Ultimate will remain at LWV for at least the next 8-10 years and possibly longer. The ride does cost an awful lot to maintain in excess of £60k per year. We are setting aside a lump sum each year for a major refurbishment in 4 years time.

A number of parks are now adding quality theming to their rides and attractions, can we expect LWV to follow suit in the near future?

Theming can cost more than the ride itself. We are a relatively small park which needs to be sensible in its approach to spending money. LWV will endeavour to landscape rides but theming is unlikely.

Can you share any information regarding the 2008 ride?

No, not at this moment in time, we are not a cash rich company and it will depend on our trading in 2007.

What was the influential factor behind the closure of The Toad Hole? Are the management glad to see the back of it or will it be missed?

The ride is some 25 years old and had lost its appeal and popularity, throughput was slow and it was time for a change. The replacement ride will cater for the same audience as Toad Hole so as to keep the balance of rides the same. The ride was manufactured and built on site by our own workforce.

The Sewer Rat is no longer as dark as it once was, do the park have any intentions of restoring it to its former glory?

The Rat Ride site is ear marked for re-development in the next five/seven years; therefore we won’t be spending money unnecessarily.

Many southerners have either not heard about Lightwater Valley or are not attracted to the park, do management have intentions to widen its audience through marketing campaigns?

Whilst the attraction is very popular, people will not travel for long distances i.e. over 2 hours for a day out experience. If the holiday resort gets planning permission then we would certainly market ourselves further afield as we will become a holiday destination as well as a day visitor attraction.

What factors go into deciding new rides at LWV?

Popularity, affordability, staffing, rider throughput, the balance of rides, age group of riders, ride experience. Must fit in with the brand.

In addition, what factors go into deciding ride removals?

Age, operating costs, maintenance costs as the ride ages, popularity.

What new and exciting attractions can we see at the park in the next few years? Does the park have a long-term strategic plan or do you decide new rides when the time arises?

We have a long term strategy but a lot is dependant on how successful the park is in achieving its financial goals each year.

Any information regarding a future Ferris Wheel ride?

Depends, as above. The planning application is in with the council and awaiting approval.

Why do you no longer offer the option of single riders on the Grand Prix Go-Karts?

The park targets families and although we do offer a lot to the teenage market we feel mixing families and teenagers is not always a good thing on the Go Karts, i.e. safety of our guests. Double go-karts handle better in the wet and are slightly slower. We find when there are passengers, drivers are less reckless and younger/smaller guests can enjoy them as well as adults.

Any indication on what ride is to be removed next or do you see the attractions you currently have as long term?

Content will change from time to time but the overall number will remain the same.

2007 has seen quite an improvement in park appearance, particularly making rides more ‘permanent’, aswell as a new style map and website. Is this a long-term plan for the park to improve its appearance?

The park, for the last five years, has been investing in the infrastructure, it is something that cannot be done all at once (cost) but it is our intention to continue to improve appearances.

Do other theme parks influence any of your own decisions, if so, how have they?

No, we obviously look at our competitors but they do not influence our own decisions.

Family parks are often given credit for having certain traits that corporate parks tend to lack, such as a personal atmosphere. Do you believe these characteristics are beneficial in the quest for creating a good park?

Extremely important, we cannot compete with large parks for content but we can outstrip any park for beautiful setting, friendly staff, an exceptionally clean park and a warm welcome. Guests like to feel safe and special and this is what we aim to do.

The Grizzly Bear has arguably the worst reliability in the park, are there any plans to improve the ride or similar?

Maintenance continually strive to improve our down time figures. Safety systems and the weather are the main causes of many stoppages on our rides.

Park Enthusiasts really think the park could do with a looping rollercoaster, has a ride like this ever been discussed?

Yes, the longer term may see such an addition.

As well as that, we feel the park lack a water ride following the closure of the Toad Hole, has a ride like this ever been discussed?

Lots of times. Rides are very expensive, for instance, the smallest of log flumes could set you back £400,000.

After the discovery of planning applications for a holiday village, are these plans in an advanced stage for us to see such site under construction soon?

Depends on planning but we would like to think we could start the build in 2008 for 2009 opening. Phasing the completion over 4 years.

LWV have a tendency to name rides after wildlife, is this something the park always intend to do and what goes into deciding a ride name?

Because of the country feel to the park rides were named after animals/wildlife. We try to match the ride experience or looks to a particular animal, bird, insect.

Assuming information is true, what do you plan to do with the Mexican Hat whilst it is in storage at the park? Or has it since moved on?

To be sold.

Was the action of loaning rides from contractors a temporary procedure? Also, is it true the Rat Ride is on a long-term lease?

Rides were hired as a quick fix to changing content, long term we propose to own all the rides on site. Rat Ride and Carousel are both hired on short-term contracts.

LWV installed two fairground rides last season during the busy school trip weeks, are there plans for similar additions this year?

If numbers require us to do so.

Why does the waterfall on The Wave not work anymore?

The replacement pump is quite expensive and the reason we haven’t rushed out and bought one is because this ride may move next year to make way for the holiday resort and be re-themed at the same time.

Why was Hornets Nest not ready for opening day or the Easter Holidays? Or did the park always intend to open it later into the season?

Parks often open rides in season so as to stimulate interest and return visitors.

Would the park consider having more attractive special events such as ‘After Dark Openings’ or ‘Halloween Festivals’?

Not at the moment.

Do companies approach you for ride sponsorship or do you approach them?

We need to approach them, it is however quite difficult to get companies for part with large amounts of cash/sponsorship unless you have a very strong brand relationship or attract many thousands of visitors.

Would you consider a tie-up with a big brand food chain such as Subway to put a restaurant in the park?

All depends on the deal.

What is the current situation regarding new ride additions and the connection they have between the environment and locals?

Noise, colour, height, power consumption are all considerations.

Why does The Sewer Rat now only operate with one car on the track rather than two as before in previous seasons? And will the ride be back upto to 4 cars in operation soon or in the future as queues can get very busy on peak days?

Legislation has changed which means we need to invest around £30k on a control system. As we don’t own the ride we are reluctant to do this. We are in discussion with the rides owners but they are also reluctant to spend on an old ride.

The park is now over 20 years old, where do you see the park in 20 years time from today?

We could spend hours on this one, sorry not got the time. We have a vision but this may change to suit the needs of the customer, any changes in trends and the business. Just a few ideas in the pipe line are the Caravan/Lodges development, Wet and Wild, Hotel, Classic Cars, more shopping, New Attractions, Health Spa, Golf Course.

Why should people visit Lightwater Valley when there are so many other parks in northern England? What does the park offer that others don’t?

Great value for money (rides are often £2 per ride at a fair). Safe environment, friendly staff, a warm welcome, relaxing for parents, clean and tidy, easy access/accessibility/location, beautiful setting, something for all the family.

Finally, what are the management’s views on Valley Mania?

Provided it remains positive and balanced it is good for the business. We would also be happy to create a link from our website to yours if you are interested. Would you be interested in having our banner on your website?