We live next to Chessington World of Adventures – we love the discounted tickets but there’s a massive downside
RESIDENTS living next to Chessington World of Adventures say they love the discounted tickets - but there's a massive downside.
The resort in south west London said visitors will stay away unless it is allowed to splash out on a massive new waterpark.
It wants to build themed waterslides, an infinity pool and a safari "beach" in a bid to make Chessington a "multi-day short break destination".
The resort told Kingston Council that it needs to expand before visitors seek their thrills elsewhere.
But neighbours claimed that traffic and parking are already massive problems around the resort - and will only get worse if the plans go ahead.
The nearest train station is a ten-minute bus journey away, with half-hour waits between trains to and from central London.
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But discounted tickets for Chessington locals have brought many onside.
Jade Murphy, 22, told The Sun: "It's amazing. I go all the time.
"I think there is some kind of discount for people who live within a certain distance - but I actually go so much that I need to get a normal ticket.
"I'm all for them building some new waterslides. At the moment the nearest waterpark is in Bracknell.
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"It obviously brings lots of people to Chessington which creates jobs and is good for the local shops.
"And outside the school holidays you'd barely know it was there.
"I know Chessington is right there but my favourite theme park is actually Alton Towers near Birmingham."
Tash Wood, 45, said: "It's a pain in the a***. During the summer holidays the station is heaving with kids on their way to the resort.
"It doesn't make it better only having one train into town every half hour.
"The main road past the resort is always roaring, the traffic is grim.
"It's quiet in the middle of the afternoon - but in the mornings when visitors arrive or in the early evening it's hectic.
"And it'll only get worse if they expand the resort."
Dot Clark, 76, said: "It's not for me but it doesn't cause me any problems.
"I don't think the road here is any busier than any other part of London.
"But it'll be a nightmare for people coming to see the zoo and all that once these new Ulez rules come in.
"It's an extra £12.50 on top of whatever they spend driving and parking here.
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"You surely wouldn't bother if it's going to cost you that much."
Chessington World of Adventures did not respond to a request for comment.
