Haunted house happenings spook workers at Towers.
Workmen helping to build a new haunted house attraction at Alton Towers are refusing to work after dark – because they believe that real ghosts are on the prowl. They claim that strange blood-red marks have appeared on the floor of the £6 million building – due to open next year – and that tools left inside overnight have been moved around.
Now several workers are insisting on clocking off as soon as dusk falls, after hearing rumours that a woman was once murdered in the grounds of the leisure park. Today, no one from the firm of contractors involved in the haunted house project was prepared to comment. But an Alton Towers spokeswoman confirmed that some of the men believed that real ghosts were to blame for the mysterious events. She said: “We are not sure if it is a case of genuine ghosts or if someone is pulling someone’s leg. But it is true come of the contractors won’t stay in the building after dark because of what has been going on. The site where the haunted house is being built is quite spooky and there are rumours that a woman was once murdered close by.”
Staffordshire Sentinel, 25th October 1991.
Spooks force workmen out.
Workmen putting the finishing touches to a new £4m Haunted House ride at Alton Towers have downed tools – after a spate of “real-life” hauntings. Site foreman at the Haunted House Mr Mick Lewis ordered his team off the job yesterday after a workman, alone on site, found himself trapped inside.
“One of the lads was hanging cobwebs in the crypt when the doors slammed shut,” said Mr Lewis, 38. “He heard a loud thumping noise followed by a woman’s shriek. The lights began to flicker and suddenly the doors opened again and he came flying out, as white as a sheet.”
The scare was the latest in a string of “supernatural” occurrences to strike the site, with workmen already reporting radios switching themselves on and off, tools and equipment vanishing and mysterious “blood” stains appearing on the ground. “Friday the 13th was the last straw,” said Mr Lewis. “I know this is the world’s most Haunted House, but having real ghosts around is taking things a bit too far.”
Alton Towers marketing director Mr Nick Varney said: “It’s true that Alton Towers is haunted and it seems some of our ghosts have taken quite a shine to the new Haunted House. But visitors needn’t worry. We can assure you that only the friendliest of spirits will be taking up residence.”
Burton Daily Mail, 14th March 1992.