Plans to build a theme park in the Lake District have been met with thousands of objections as they face accusations of trying to turn the picturesque area into a “money-making theme park”.
The project, set out by Holker Group, estimates to attract as many as 60,000 visitors in its first year alone and would create 60 jobs.
They plan to build a rollercoaster ride at Elterwater quarry in Langdale Valley as well as high ropes and zip lines for visitors to explore the area from new heights.
The petition against the attraction, which has over 7,000 signatures so far, has called the campaign #ZipOffLangdale.
The Lake District.
Owen Humphreys
It lists a number of reasons why they oppose the construction of the attraction including traffic chaos, rights of way affected and the destruction of its natural beauty.
A post on the page reads: “Sad news announced of a planned theme park in Elterwater in the heart of the Langdale valley, in the Lake District World Heritage Site.
“Planning application expected in days. We stand against these plans…
“We strongly believe that the National Park is being developed as a theme park…
“We are local residents who will passionately campaign against this Zip World Elterwater Lake District development. Please sign this petition to show Zip World and the LDNPA that you don’t want Langdale and the Lake District turned into a theme park.”
Supporters of the petition have also shared their dismay at the proposals with one person commenting: “The Lake District is a national park and it’s beauty is based on a natural environment.
"There are plenty of other places outside of national parks where a theme park could be built. The Lake District already struggles with the amount of people and traffic, it can’t cope with anymore.”
The page has received over 7,000 signatures so far.
Change.org
Another commented: “This is totally out of character for where it is, Blackpool maybe, Langdale no.”
A councillor shared concerns that the plans threatened to turn the area into “a money-making theme park”.
Holker Group said the plans are for an “immersive learning experience” to educate and "promote the legacy of the quarry's history."
They added: "Burlington Stone's vision is to unlock a sustainable future for Elterwater Quarry, which celebrates our rich quarrying legacy and the history of human endeavour while bringing the natural geological resource to life."