‘We live by Alton Towers and can hear people screaming, but we get free tickets and businesses are thriving’

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

While the thought of living near the UK’s largest theme park wouldn’t appeal to a lot of people, for the residents of one village it brings a lot of perks - despite the fact they can hear people’s screams.

More than 5.6 million people visit Alton Towers every year and thrill-seekers travel from all over to try out its impressive rides.

Only a stone’s throw away from the Staffordshire park is the quaint village of Alton. Although visitors bring noise pollution and traffic chaos to the village, residents say the passing trade has given a much-needed boost to the local economy and property prices are booking.

But the community also gets to benefit from a surprising perk. They get to enjoy 20 free tickets to Alton Towers a year. With a population of just 2,500 people, Along is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside, with the River Churnet flowing nearby. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. Over the years many locals have watched Alton Towers evolve from a small park offering donkey rides and boat trips to one of the country’s most famous theme park.