The owners of the Big Sheep theme park in north Devon have asked visitors not to scream on their newest roller coaster after people living nearby raised concerns over noise.
The new ride, called the Big One, opened this Easter. According to the Big Sheep's website, the Big One is "Devon's biggest, highest and longest rollercoaster" and was originally located at Metroland, Gateshead.
Owner Rick Turner said that the planning process for the ride had taken four years, and some local people had become "very very animated" over the prospect of loud noise. The park has spent over £200,000 building a large noise reduction bank in the middle of the ride.
Mr Turner said that although Big Sheep had been in the village of Abbotsham for 30 years, it was "somewhat galling" when new residents decided to complain after they moved to the village. However, Mr Turner has now placed a sign next to the ride warning visitors not to shout or scream as they "love their neighbours".
Hugh Bone, chair of Abbotsham parish council, said that he was pleased the sign had been put up after villagers had asked the council to control the noise from the theme park.
