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Incident on The Smiler 02/06/2015

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Which will probably mean that the whole of FV wont open. The only two alternatives really are dark Forrest and x-sector. IF work has started on sw8 (even just clearing the area) DF would be a bad choice. A soft opening for the smiler would make the event more popular, and would therefore give higher gate figures, and give the year a good start after this year
 
I'd say the only big coaster likely to open for Feb half term would be Nemesis, because it's always part of the lineup and it would be easy to close the rest of the area off. Oblivion would also be a possibility. Can't see them opening Dark Forest, and The Smiler is more likely to have a more quiet opening to avoid as much media sensationalism as possible so it's unlikely it'll operate during 2016 half term.

There's also a chance that no big coasters will open during half term at all, and the event have strictly family rides operating. Fewer intense attractions have been running during recent years so it's not out of the question.
 
Unless Blade gets the boot for SW8 preparations they could open that along with Nemesis so the area isn't completely dead.

I think X Sector would be a good area to open if The Smiler is ready by then and can have a 'soft opening' over half term.

The event has always been aimed at the family market though so maybe they won't try anything with coasters as it has never been for thrill seekers.
 
Whilst I get the argument otherwise, I'd argue that having X Sector open rather than the Valley might be a better idea...

Think about it - the event is aimed at families and doesn't tend to attract too many thrill seekers. Plus the attendance isn't usually *that* high. It would be the perfect time to quietly soft launch The Smiler again before the main season starts.
 
Update on the smiler, not much but back on topic (lol) Someone asked about what rides were closed on towers nemesis ERT post from today and this happened:

24dlkpj.jpg


Where as I realise this can't be taken as gospel it seems to suggest that the investigation is ongoing so if this is true then perhaps the HSE people haven't told towers they can use it again
 
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phildenholm said:
Update on the smiler, not much but back on topic (lol) Someone asked about what rides were closed on towers nemesis ERT post from today and this happened:

24dlkpj.jpg


Where as I realise this can't be taken as gospel it seems to suggest that the investigation is ongoing so if this is true then perhaps the HSE people haven't told towers they can use it again
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Not news and nothing revealing there. The HSE are effectively incapable of preventing the ride's use if Alton Towers really wants to - that is that if the park takes reasonable effort to reduce the risk potential then the HSE will lift the prohibition notice. This could have happened already, and usually is the case within days, weeks or a few months.
 
Even if the HSE isn't stopping them from re-opening, the park just wants to wait, it's a perfect excuse to give out because nobody can really argue with it.
 
Even if the HSE has given them feedback they wouldn't be permitted to tell the GP what it is without authorisation or until the investigation is finalised.

I'd assume this will be different for the victims as the findings will effect court proceedings and payouts.
 
If The Smiler could open now they wouldn't bother telling the social media team, or any other departments really. The first people to know would be senior managers and marketing. I'd assume they would want to draw any plans out on changes to be made first and when/how to open the ride again before letting anyone know in various departments.
 
James said:
If The Smiler could open now they wouldn't bother telling the social media team, or any other departments really. The first people to know would be senior managers and marketing. I'd assume they would want to draw any plans out on changes to be made first and when/how to open the ride again before letting anyone know in various departments.
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I don't think you understand the structure of the park, at all.
 
James said:
If The Smiler could open now they wouldn't bother telling the social media team, or any other departments really. The first people to know would be senior managers and marketing. I'd assume they would want to draw any plans out on changes to be made first and when/how to open the ride again before letting anyone know in various departments.
Click to expand...
doesn't sound like a bad idea to me. Although i do think they probably will announce it.
 
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