A seaside carousel has been dubbed a “death trap” after it partially “collapsed” with people on board.
The Folkestone Harbour attraction has been closed all bank holiday weekend after panels became loose on the ride.
Described as a “minor incident” by the Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company, the fault occurred on Saturday.
One mum, who was on the ride at the time of the collapse, took to social media to share her fears.
She said: “Myself and my daughter were on the carousel down the Harbour Arm when it started collapsing.
“I want to put a complaint in so we can get that death trap shut down.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been contacted for comment. Folkestone and Hythe council confirmed it had not been reported to them.
The carousel was installed along the Harbour Arm as part of the company’s mission to reinvent the English seaside experience and Folkestone Harbour worked with a local, independent operator to bring a classic gallopers carousel to the site.
It opened last July and returned as part of this year’s Festive Market experience.
Steve Walsh, commercial manager at the Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company said: “On Saturday, May 25, a minor incident occurred on the carousel ride located on the Folkestone Harbour Arm.
“During this minor incident, some panels became loose from the ride and the ride operator immediately stopped the ride.
“Our duty manager team were immediately on hand to assist the operator in closing and securing the ride, and we’re happy to report that no injuries occurred.
“As with all rides that operate in the UK, the carousel is covered by an ADIPS Declaration of Compliance carried out by DMG Technical which, as Folkestone Harbour, we ensured was in place and inspections by ADIPS Registered Inspectors have been carried out on the ride whilst on our site and was certified as compliant.
“We are assisting the owner/operator with identifying the cause of the incident.
“The ride will not operate whilst a full review is undertaken, including an additional visit from external inspectors taking place today (Monday).”
The Big Greek Bus on Folkestone Harbour Arm was towed away earlier this year, leaving space for a new business to enter the site.
Now, applicant Ben Boyce is proposing to replace the bus with “another food offering” in a temporary planning application of eight years.
If approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), the new site would be adjacent to the Shesells Seashells restaurant, which is also housed inside train carriages.
The Board Room opened at the Folkestone Harbour Arm, run by Northfleet-based craft beer brewery Iron Pier Beer.
Sitting next to the Sailbox restaurant, the site began trading last week and is described as a "chilled-out beer cafe".
It features craft beers, cocktails, wines and soft drinks on its menu and offers platters such as cheese and charcuterie boards.
