Forums Forums National News Fire at Pleasureland Southport

Historic fairground ride destroyed at Pleasureland, Southport



ARSONISTS are suspected to be behind a blaze at a former Haunted House fairground attraction.

Fire tore through the derelict two-storey Haunted Inn building at Pleasureland, Southport, just before 5.30am on Saturday.

When fire crews arrived the building was well alight and smoke billowed high into the air.

The joint investigation by police and Merseyside fire and rescue service could not confirm the fire was started deliberately.

But as there were no electrical faults with the equipment, they believe it is possible the attraction may have been deliberately destroyed.

A Merseyside fire and rescue spokesman told the ECHO: “The investigation cannot confirm that it was deliberate. But after checking the equipment there are no electrical faults at all. So it’s possible that the fire was started deliberately.”

It is understood security guards on the site have experienced trouble with gangs wanting to cause damage.

The Haunted House was the last remaining part of the old Pleasureland. If the fire was started on purpose it would be the latest in a string of arson attacks on the resort’s most historic fairground rides.

The funfair reopened as New Pleasureland in July 2007 and in April last year arsonists targeted the derelict River Caves ride.

The 893-feet long boat ride was known as a favourite place for teenage sweethearts to share a kiss in near-darkness.

If you have any information about the fire, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wasn't there a fire at Pleasureland last year? April 2009 I think.

I wonder if Wirral Council are in cahoots with Southports Council.

pleasureland is utterly destroyed from what i remember exploring it in early 2009. the remaining infrastructure is either burned, trashed or derelict. the only remaining ride areas left barely untouched now would be the kart track and whatever's left of the train network that used to go through it.

Awaits 'luxury apartments' planning permission application.

Wasn't there a fire at the go kart track a few years ago?

Go Karting Shed fire

The River Caves fire

wow the haunted house would have been a class U.E.