A BELOVED theme park is axing an iconic ride after 60 years as Brits say they are losing a big part of their childhood.
The Grand Prix ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach has seen the chequered flag for the final time and will way for a new amusement.
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The car-themed ride was first opened in 1960 and has been a staple of the Blackpool theme park every year since.
Originally called the Turnpike, the cars were petrol powered until 2002, when they become powered by electricity.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach owner Amanda Thompson confirmed the closure of the ride in a post to social media.
She said: “The Grand Prix will not operate this year as we are planning a new attraction. Don’t ask me any more questions about this, I will tell you when I have made the decision.”
Vicky Cherry, 43, who was in the resort with her husband, Alan, 38, and son Jacob, nine, told The Sun the Grand Prix was a much-loved attraction.
The full-time mum said: “We are really sad because it a really iconic ride.
“We love it and it is great for the little ones. And because the ride spans across most of the park, the little ones get a good view of the pleasure beach.
“I think they should have kept it and renovated it.
“It just fits in nicely with the whole park.
“I just hope that they replace it with a family ride which is similar for the children to enjoy.
“It is sad to see it go.”
Retail manager Alan added: “It is a shame and it will be a big miss.”
Others were of the same opinion.
Megan Wiper, 21, who works in a call centre, said: “It is sad to see it go as the ride and the pleasure beach is a big part of my childhood.
“I have good memories of going on it and I used to go to the pleasure beach with my grandparents, who are not with us anymore.
“I’m sure they would be sad to see it go too.
“It is a family ride that everyone can enjoy.”
Jack Raddon, 21, professional ice skater, said: “I think they’re getting rid of a family ride and replace it with something bigger and faster.
“It’s been there for years, and it is a classic ride.
“You are not going to be able to please everyone, and it is a business so they have to what is best for the business.
“It is all about adapting to people’s changing needs and maybe people want faster and more exciting rides.”
Fans of the Grand Prix ride also commiserated on social media.
One said: “Got stuck in one of them cars years ago got out eventually but my word it was funny.”
Another said: “Aww they’ve been there forever. From going on as a kid myself then taking my son on them. End of an era.”
While a third posted: “That ride is brilliant for small kids, such a shame so much is changing. Doesn’t sound like for the better.”
Visitors at the weekend discovered the Ice Blast ride was not open – which Amanda also addressed in the post.
“Re the play station or as you all call it the ice blast. That will be operating later this season we are awaiting parts. So stop guessing and listening to ridiculous rumours.
“I know the facts……. Have a great season with lots of fun and memory making days.”
Blackpool Pleasure Park has faced ridicule in the past, but reviews on TripAdvisor show that Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the eighth best amusement park in the world.
Pleasure Beach claims to be the “world’s most ride intensive amusement park” and promises visitors “adrenaline-fuelled adventure”.
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