Adventure Island Helter Skelter dismantled after decades

Adventure Island staff were spotted dismantling the Helter Skelter - one of the few rides that dates back to the parks time as Peter Pan’s Playground - yesterday afternoon.

Bosses have now confirmed the attraction, which was a spiral slide, has been taken down for good after almost 40 years at Adventure Island.

Iconic - the ride as it stood in Adventure Island (Image: Florence Jennifer Geary)

Southend resident Helen McGhee Shine said: “Being a Southend girl born and bred, I am sad about the Helter Skelter disappearing from Adventure Island as it had always been greatly used during my childhood, along with The Crooked House. It is just another part of our Southend’s history that is disappearing.

“I do understand that you have to move with the times, but I am sad to see it dismantled.”

Historic - The ride back in the day (Image: Newsquest)

Dozens of other residents shared their childhood memories of the Helter Skelter on social media.

Kim Louise Tobin added: “It holds a lot of happy childhood memories for me of trips to Peter Pans Playground, as it was then. It is kind of a stalwart of the place and part of Southend’s nostalgia, alongside the Whip. It is a shame.

“The traditional rides are always really popular and also great for smaller children, who may be coming to Adventure Island for the first time too.”

No more - The Helter Skelter has gone (Image: Adventure Island)

Benfleet resident, Florence Jennifer Geary, 34, said: “I have such fond family and childhood memories of visiting Adventure Island as a child, especially when we knew it as Peter Pans.

“It is such a shame for the classic seaside rides to disappear. I understand we have to move with the times but it’s also nice to hold onto the classic seaside charm too.”

Philip Miller, owner of Adventure Island, admitted it was a shame to see the ride go but revealed it would be moving to a new home.

He said: “We are sad to see our iconic Helter Skelter leaving the park. However, it is going to a lovely new home www.steamfairhire.com operating alongside other traditional vintage rides. I have got visitation rights.

“I purchased this ride off the beach at Hayling Island nearly 40 years ago. It had been involved in a family feud and dumped. I sent it back to the original manufactures Supercars ltd.

“In those days the ride only cost a few thousand pounds, but the refurb was fifteen grand.

“I would say it has served us well, but times move on fashions change. So out with the old and in with the new. Just look at our new Vertigo ride for an example.”