HOPES have been raised Evesham may yet play host to a Diggerland theme park after bosses revealed they were on the hunt for other areas in the town to build the park.
As the Observer previously reported in April, Diggerland bosses withdrew their plans to open a theme park at The Valley due to ‘unexpected and unforeseen circumstances.’
Planning chiefs gave the green light to the plans back in October 2015; however a spade was never put in the ground despite bosses initially saying the JCB themed park would be opened in summer 2016.
In a statement back in April, Diggerland said the decision to withdraw their plans was ‘beyond our control’ which lead to a number of Evesham residents taking to the Observer’s Facebook page to express their disappointment.
Theme park bosses have still been in talks with The Valley over ‘resurrecting’ plans for a park there. They have also been working with Wychavon District Council to find the theme park other ‘suitable sites’ in Evesham.
This means Evesham could still be home to the Midlands only Diggerland which will feature rides including testing your driving skills on the Dumper Trucks, excavating with a six tonne digger, taking control of a JCB 3CX or enjoying the views 50ft in the air from the Sky Shuttle.
In a statement, Diggerland said: “Diggerland were very happy to come to an agreement with The Valley for the establishment of a Midlands based Diggerland at the former Evesham Country Park, now called The Valley.
“Planning permission was applied for and was granted and Diggerland were all set to commence the building of the Diggerland Theme Park at The Valley until the management of The Valley changed and the decision was made to halt the project temporarily.
“Since then Diggerland have been attempting to persuade The Valley to go ahead with the previously agreed project but as at late July 2017, nothing has been formerly agreed.
“However, Diggerland are ever hopeful that something may be agreed in the not too distant future.
“Diggerland sincerely apologises to potential Diggerland visitors who reside in the Midlands area that they have been unable to come to an agreement with The Valley, but Diggerland will keep the negotiation channels open.”
A spokesman for The Valley said Diggerland’s statement was the ‘current position.’
