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'Embarrassing blunder' halts development
WORK has been halted on Blackpool's newest seafront attraction after what was today dubbed an "embarrassing blunder".
Carnesky's Ghost Train, which came under fire after costing Blackpool Council thousands of pounds in losses when it opened at the Winter Gardens, was part-way through being moved onto the Promenade alongside the Pleasure Beach.
But construction work at Flagstaff Gardens was dramatically stopped after United Utilities branded the plans as unsafe.
Officials fear local homes could be at risk of flooding as the ghost train would stand directly on a waste water sewage works.
Robert Wynne, Liberal Democrat councillor for Blackpool Council, said: "This is embarrassing for a council that has had similar problems down the road with the new tram depot.
"It seems they have acted as a law unto themselves, as they had started building on Flagstaff Gardens before the formal planning process had begun.
"This is just yet another blunder."
Planning permission was granted on Monday and the ride was due to open in time for next month's Showzam Festival.
Helen Wilson, spokesman for United Utilities, said it was unlikely the ride would now be built at Flagstaff Gardens.
She said: "The building cannot be put over the top of our underground storage tank because we need unimpeded access to it at all times.
"This tank stores excess rainwater during heavy rainfall and is key in helping prevent flooding of local properties.
"It also has a vent stack which must be allowed to operate freely to reduce the risk of any potential build up of gas.
"The council has now halted all work and we are meeting next week to discuss and review how we move forward with the proposed development.
"We want to work together and we're sure a solution can be found that complies with legislation and suits all parties."
Alan Cavill, assistant director of enterprise and development for Blackpool Council, said: "Unfortunately a representative for United Utilities did approach builders at the site on Thursday and said we have to halt progress.
"We did write to United Utilities both informally and during the planning process.
"United Utilities do have some draconian powers, but we hope to sort this out when we have a meeting on Monday or Tuesday.
"We want to build on the Promenade as it would be beneficial to hotels and attractions around it.
"We were only asked to provide access to the works, which we catered for. If there is any chance we aren't allowed to build there, we want something more formal than a man in a yellow coat coming down to the site and telling us to stop work."
Richard Ryan, manager of the Illuminations Department, which has designed and made new tableaus to surround the train, said: "This project has been on-off all the time.
"We sincerely hope this is just a small blip, and we believe it will go ahead.
"A lot of work has gone into the ghost train for months."
Carnesky's Ghost Train opened in October 2007 in the Winter Gardens, but caused controversy when it racked up costs of 285,000 with takings of just 11,000 during a four month spell.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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