Theme park says bye to squirrels

ALTON Towers has been forced to ban a squirrel from one of its rides as the animal's antics posed a health and safety risk.

It was said to be causing problems for operators at the theme park by getting in the way of improvement work on an attraction.

Workers noticed it riding the revamped Sonic Spinball roller coaster as it was tested in the mornings and joining visitors who were offered an early go on it before the official opening. The animal was also caught stealing food from the workers.

Alarms were installed that emit a warning noise inaudible to human ears but designed to ensure the squirrel avoids the ride.