Police Scotland fail in bid to close down M&Ds Theme Park

Police have failed in a bid to have a theme park closed down after a horror rollercoaster crash in which nine people were injured.

Councillors yesterday gave unanimous backing to the operator of M&Ds Theme Park in Strathclyde Park, near Motherwell, following the near-tragedy three years ago.

Their decision not to deny a public entertainment licence was welcomed by M&Ds, which insisted the funfair is safe.

M&Ds theme park after the rollercoaster crash (PA)

Earlier this year, M&D Leisure was fined £65,000 for failing to ensure its Tsunami rollercoaster ride was maintained in an
efficient state. Hamiton Sheriff Court heard how cars derailed and plunged 20ft to the ground.

Police Scotland claimed M&Ds was not a fit and proper operator but North Lanarkshire Council’s regulatory committee dismissed the complaint after a two-hour meeting behind closed doors.

M&Ds, which employs about 450 people, welcomed the decision.

Company lawyer Lamont Baillie said: “We’re talking one incident in 50 years that wasn’t even the company’s fault, so M&Ds is a safe resort.”