Story Highlight
– Nine rides at Woodlands Family Theme Park closed for safety.
– Closure followed Health and Safety Executive’s routine inspection.
– Park lacked valid industry standard safety checks during inspection.
– Missing ‘declarations of compliance’ prompted immediate action.
– Issues resolved quickly, allowing rides to reopen soon.
Full Story
A family theme park in Devon has temporarily shut down nine of its rides due to concerns regarding public safety, following a routine inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The assessment took place on June 26 as part of an ongoing initiative to evaluate safety protocols across various amusement sites in the UK.
Woodlands Family Theme Park, located near Dartmouth, reportedly could not provide necessary safety documentation during the HSE’s visit. Specifically, the park was cited for lacking “declarations of compliance” for multiple attractions, which adhere to established safety standards for the amusement industry.
The rides that have been affected include Sea Dragon, Vertigo, Trauma Tower, Tractor Ride, Submarine Ride, Dragon Ferris Wheel, Polar Pilots, Dizzy Dune Buggies, and Rocking Tug. The situation has arisen in the wake of a suspension involving the director of a company responsible for inspections within the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS).
Fortunately, the park has acted swiftly to address the compliance issues. According to local news reports, Woodlands quickly enlisted a different inspection firm to conduct the necessary checks, enabling the rides to reopen soon after the initial closure.
Melissa Lai-Hung, an inspector with the HSE, remarked that the park’s closure was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. She stated, “At this time of year, any enforcement action will cause inconvenience, but it is vital that those who enjoy amusement parks are kept safe and feel reassured.”
In response to the situation, Woodlands Family Theme Park released a statement confirming its commitment to safety regulations. “We take HSE-related compliance legislation very seriously,” the park said. “As soon as this was brought to our attention, all the rides were reinspected 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.”
The HSE noted that any issues highlighted during the inspections were addressed promptly, ensuring minimal disruption for visitors to the theme park.
Closing rides when paperwork and compliance cannot be demonstrated is the right call. Physical inspections are important but clear documented evidence that equipment meets required standards is equally essential for ongoing safe operation. Swift action to address gaps and bring in competent inspectors shows the park takes safety seriously and helps restore public confidence. Operators should ensure robust management of declarations and records so safety controls are transparent and defensible at all times.
This is a reminder that paperwork matters as much as physical checks. Clear and complete compliance records give regulators and the public confidence that attractions are safe. It was right to close the rides until proper documentation and independent inspection were in place. The park’s quick action to engage a new inspection firm and restore records shows a proper focus on safety and transparency, and they should keep that momentum by reviewing procedures to prevent a repeat.