It has today been revealed that Merlin Entertainments, owner of the Alton Towers resort, have backed a multi-million pound development programme over the next 10 years to include major new attractions, longer open seasons (presumably to include Christmas) and new accommodation.
The beginning of this new plan is believed to be the 2010 Corkscrew replacement, which is to be a £12million + rollercoaster, the planning for which is now in the early stages.
It is said to be the first time in many years that the resort has been able to cement a long term strategy, after years of being passed between owners.
This news comes a day after it was revealed that the resort have no plans to spend £15million on a relief road to relieve traffic from the roads of Alton village itself. The reaction to this has been mixed, but local residents appear to acknowledge that many local business would be affected if passing trade was to cease.