Crews race to re-inflate Bay's high-flying attraction
THERE was a race against time last night to bring back Torbay's most controversial tourist attraction.
Delays in bringing in a crane to help with the re-inflation of the Lindstrand Hi-Flyer helium balloon ride stalled the operation at Torre Abbey gardens yesterday.
The crane was needed to hoist the two-tonne balloon canopy up while it is inflated with more than £20,000 of helium gas.
The balloon will have complete new colours of blue and yellow.
The crane was due in the morning but by early evening it had still not arrived.
However, the Lindstrand crew was prepared to work into the night to complete the task.
Lindstrand boss Alistair Gunning said last night: "The crane is on its way and we will have the balloon up tonight.
"Things like delays unfortunately happen.
"Whether we will have the balloon up by the end of the evening will all depend how on how long we have to work."
He added: "We will certainly be testing it throughout the day, though.
5 Comments
by Magpie, Torre
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 3:03PM
“Having watched them trying all day to untangle the netting before they could inflate the monstrosity reminds me to put a note in my diary:
"Do not employ Lindstrand to pack my parachute!"”
by Biffo, Paignton Zoo
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 12:38PM
“Makes me smile, most condoms are filled at night, so I am told. I am on new medication that increases the gases in my body I would be only too willing donate this to the balloon for a small fee. Mr Bye and Mr Lewis should also donate the hot air they produce.”
by wayne, ellacombe
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 10:29AM
“great the golf ball bk,im so over the moon about it,NOT.it looked so much better along the seafront the last 4/5 months with it not bein there apart from the sun missin.well lets see how much money it wont make this year.lol.the crane should of saved itself a trip and stayed in the yard.”
by viv, Torquay
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 9:55AM
“The balloon is up, it looks o.k. not to much advertising. I wish them a prosperous season.
viv”
by PhotoPhil, Torbay
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 9:36AM
“Damn, meant to get some photos of Torquay seafront in the sunshine, without the balloon being there.”