Alton Towers have, in recent days, removed the shell of the burnt out Skyride station in the Cloud Cuckoo Land area of the theme park. The station was almost entirely destroyed by fire earlier this season in the middle of the night.

The famous Skyride, which has been a feature of Alton Towers for over 20 years, has had a torrid time in recent seasons – with two serious fires in less than 2 years. In 2007, the Forbidden Valley station was damaged during the October Scarefest event and re-opened part way through the 2008 season. After a major investment to bring new gondola’s in for 2009, there was then the major Cloud Cuckoo Land fire which was even more serious than the first.

It is hoped that the Skyride will be able to re-open for the 2010 season, along with the nearby Secret Weapon Six rollercoaster – which is also due to open in just less than 6 months.