Residents on a new-build estate in Nottingham are living next to a 50ft rollercoaster that towers over their homes, sparking mixed reactions—from 'eyesore' complaints to declarations of love for the ride. The structure, located in Sandford Lane, Hucknall, has been in place for 18 months as part of a testing facility run by Mellors Group, a Nottinghamshire-based company that builds and tests rides for worldwide buyers.
Residents divided over towering ride
Dad-of-six Jack Welsh, 45, who moved into his home almost two years ago, can see the amusement park structure from his living room. He runs a tattoo shop with his wife Kirsty, 43, and insists he's 'actually not bothered by it', noting the rollercoaster has provided endless entertainment for their eight-year-old daughter, Sapphire.
'It's been a pleasure to watch it grow over the months,' Jack said. 'There was a ride there beforehand, but it wasn't on the scale of this one; this one is massive.' He explained that once testing is complete, the rides are 'sent on their way to wherever buys them', arguing he'd rather have that than 'a block of flats with antisocial behaviour'.
'It's tall. It's a monster at probably 50ft. But luckily our little girl loves rides, because she loves Alton Towers. She loves to watch it, especially when there are people up there,' he added.
Testing site becomes local talking point
Kirsty, 43, echoed her husband's sentiments, saying, 'It's interesting to watch out your window; you can see them whizzing around on occasion, and it's fun. It can be more fun to watch than the TV.' The couple believe the mega-ride—believed to be the first of its kind—is destined for Dubai, and while they can 'understand why some people have a problem with it' since it shadows their gardens, it doesn't upset them.
However, not everyone shares their enthusiasm. Some individuals on the 12-house road say the rollercoaster 'ruins the views' from their homes, with one man claiming it's not 'suitable' to be kept there full-time. 'It's been there for ages, and it just makes you feel like you're living next to a funfair,' he grumbled. 'When the workmen are repairing it, they can see right into your gardens and bedrooms, which is a bit intrusive. We shouldn't feel like we're being watched in our homes.' Another resident echoed that it spoils the views from 'almost every window', having supposedly been told it 'wouldn't be here as long as it has been'.
Company acknowledges delays but insists it's temporary
James Mellors, director at the family-owned firm, admitted the rollercoaster has been up longer than 'anticipated' but insisted it was temporary. 'It's the first one in the world, and it's just not quite been going together as well as it should,' he explained, acknowledging that it's 'frustrating' since the 'rides don't make any money when they're in storage'.
'Our aim is to be a good neighbour,' he reasoned. 'We're not there to try and cause a nuisance. It's not a fairground; it's a work depot. We want people to appreciate what we do, and we appreciate their concerns.'
The ride has also made the area a magnet for urban explorers, who were 'going on it', according to reports. Jack noted the only real nuisance is when straps are left out overnight, as the wind catches them and creates a crashing sound. Despite the mixed feelings, the rollercoaster remains in place as testing continues, with Mellors Group aiming to complete the process and send the ride to its eventual buyer.
