Opponents call it an “amusement park theme park” that will spoil the serenity of a “jewel in the crown of the lake district.” For his supporters, this is “adventure tourism”, which will guarantee a sustainable future for a historic career.
Even before a planning application is submitted, the two sides come together for a battle.
By Tuesday afternoon, more than 6,000 people had signed a petition against plans for the future of the Elterwater quarry in the Langdale Valley, west of Ambleside in Cumbria. It was launched by a group called Zip Off Langdale, which called on people to “save Langdale from a theme park to an amusement park.”
The participants in the campaign said that “the planned trips include a train in an amusement park and a route with high ropes”. They added: “The fenced train in the amusement park will bypass a large area of the site and will enter a cave for a quarry. We strongly believe that the national park is developing as a theme park.
They say they are locals and say Elterwater and Langdale can’t handle the extra traffic: “Langdale is the jewel in the crown of the Lake District and its natural beauty, scenery, traditions and tranquility attract both tourists and locals. . This is not a good place to walk in a theme park. “
The proposals were prepared by the owner of Elterwater Quarry, Burlington Stone, which is owned by the Holker Group. He said he has a permit to operate the site at least until 2042, but has decided to reduce the number of quarries from which it is extracted.
“To ensure that the quarry, its underground caverns and cavities remain safe and secure, there is a need for creative and responsible reorientation of the site,” it said. “Burlington’s vision is to unlock a sustainable future for Elterwater’s career, which celebrates our rich heritage and history of human endeavors while reviving natural geological resources.”
He proposes to merge with a company called Zip World, which he says has “admirable experience in providing fun, activity-based attractions safely and responsibly in the heart of UNESCO’s national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites”.
One of them is Zip World in Penrhyn Quarry in Snowdonia, where Velocity 2, the fastest zipline in the world, is located.
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Lake District’s offerings focus on the Quarry Explorer and Cavernous Toboggan High Rope Trail, which will “take travelers through wooded areas and reclaimed quarry land, culminating in an exciting underground section through spectacular caves.”
Burlington Stone said the plans would provide “a fun way for guests to appreciate and enjoy the environment without having to change or alter the existing landscape”. The company also said that “noise and interference related to career activities will cease.”
The 2018 plan for a zipper attraction in Thirlmere failed after the Ministry of Defense said it would pose a threat to low-flying aircraft. Thousands opposed her as well.
In a statement, Burlington Stone said: “No planning application has been submitted and the research is focusing on creating a heritage-based facility that promotes the history of the shale industry and the natural geology of the Lake District.
“The discussion focused on vital topics, including sustainable transport solutions, significant reductions in career traffic, ecology, biodiversity, housing and employment.
“Stakeholder engagement has so far been both positive and reassuring, and we continue to listen to the aspirations of many interest groups.”
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