“Pleasureland has proved unsustainable as a ride park, despite our repeated significant investments in capital attractions,” claimed the directors of Pleasureland Ltd in a statement released on the park’s final day.

In 1999, a Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster was added by the name of TRAUMAtizer – doubling attendance in its first season – but in more recent years, and following the introduction of a £2 admission fee (whether or not wristbands were purchased), numbers are believed to have fallen dramatically.

“It must be acknowledged that the UK theme park industry as a whole is facing increased competition from publicly-funded and lottery-funded attractions which have significantly distorted the visitor attractions market,” added the directors. “This situation has been compounded by our weekend trading now competing with extended Sunday shopping and Sunday sporting events.”

Though rumours persisted for some while, the official announcement regarding the closing of the park came very suddenly, particularly to some employees. Normally the season continues into late October/early November.

“Our immediate efforts will now be with our staff; our Human Resources team will be working, together with external agencies, to help and advise them as much as we possibly can at what is a difficult time for all of us involved.“

Founded on the same foreshore site in 1924, Pleasureland has been home to a variety of operators over the years, including names such as Helter’s, Silcock’s and Blackpool’s Thompson family, who signed a 60 year lease on the site in 1982, assuming full control four years later. Plans initiated by the late Geoffrey Thompson to expand into the neighbouring defunct zoo site in the end never materialised.

Like Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Pleasureland boasted a number of classic park attractions, including the Cyclone and Fun House, some of which are among the last remaining rides of their type in Britain. The Fun House is to stay open for the time being to cater for birthday parties. Silcock’s, meanwhile, are still in business in Southport as operators of the resort’s famously long pier.

Sefton Borough Council, which remains the land owner, has stressed that the site will continue as a leisure outlet of some sort.

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