Alton Towers plans 'to boost local tourism economy'

Improvements to be made at Alton Towers resort for the 2016 season Credit: Joe Giddens/PA Wire/PA Images

Improvements to be made at Alton Towers resort for the 2016 season would provide a boost to the tourism economy, according to Staffordshire County Council.

In a statement from owners Merlin Entertainments, the company confirmed that the crash on the Smiler Rollercoaster in June which left four young people seriously injured was caused by human error.

The report also revealed that an "extensive set of new safety measures" would also be introduced when the ride reopens in March 2016.

Alton Towers has had a difficult year following the terrible accident in June Credit: PA

Almost 25 million people from home and abroad visit the county each year, supporting more than 28,000 local jobs and contributing £1.7 billion to the local economy in 2014.