THE Waltzer ride is “absolutely safe” says a fair risk assessment manager who wants to put the public’s minds at ease after a child was injured at fair next to Milestones Museum.

On June 15 a child was seriously injured at Billy Davies Fun Park after they fell out of the Waltzer ride.

The young boy, Harrison, was taken to hospital where he required surgery to repair the tendons in his foot with his mum claiming if he “would have lost his foot” had it not been for his trainers.

But Ray Smith, the Safety risk assessment manager says the ride is perfectly safe after it was independently reviewed following the accident.

Ray told the Gazette: “The way the ride spins means riders are thrown back into their seats so there is no need for a safety bar but the ride does have a comfort bar.

"It has always been that way and what happened with Harrison is that he somehow or another got past the bar and fell out and frankly you can’t do that if you stay sitting in the seat.

"As soon as the accident happened, the ride stopped, first aid came and the ride was shut.  

"Then it had to be independently inspected before it could re-open to make sure that it was operating properly at the time of the accident and if it wasn’t then it would have had to close.

"When the Inspector checked the next day it was in absolutely proper working order and safe. The staff member on it is extremely experienced and it was an unfortunate accident."

Ray explained that whilst fairgrounds are designed to minimise accidents “as much as humanly possible” rare accidents can still happen.

“Accidents at fairgrounds are so rare, because fairs have to be so extremely safety conscious, when they happen they are of public interest.

"For example children last weekend would have broken their ankles playing football or doing all sorts of things but because it happens a lot it’s not a matter of interest."

“Harrison had an accident and we are desperately sorry about that but we are so pleased to know that he is recovering and we are really looking forward to seeing him and his family for his free cheesy chips and rides.”