Four roller coasters at three theme parks in the UK have been shut after the crash on The Smiler at Alton Towers in which 16 people were injured, four seriously.

The Smiler, which crashed, and SAW - The Ride, another multi-car roller coaster manufactured by Gerstlauer which is at Thorpe Park, have both been shut "for the foreseeable future" according to Merlin Entertainments.

Two other multi-car roller coasters, Dragon's Fury and Rattlesnake at Chessington World of Adventures, have also been closed until new safety protocols have been applied.

Growth in visitor numbers at some of the UK's biggest theme parks during 2014 revealed in figures from TEA/AECOM.

The annual TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index, the definitive annual attendance study for the themed entertainment and museum industries, has been published.

Theme park numbers for calendar year 2014 show that the industry has continued its post-recession attendance growth at a healthy rate of 4% for the top parks globally. Europe has rebounded with 3% volume growth, the U.S. has remained steady at a little over 2%, and Asia, still the leader but not by as much, increased by about 5%.

Further plans for the London Paramount Entertainment Resort have been released, including many artists impressions of the potential lands in the theme park that would include a wide variety of rides, attractions, shows, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

The £2bn development scheme for the 872-acre Swanscombe Peninsula site, known as the London Paramount Entertainment Resort, would include not only a theme park but several hotels and Europe's largest indoor waterpark. It is intended to open in 2020 and expected to attract on average 40,000 visitors per day.

Dreamland will open its doors on 19th June 2015 with a grand opening day and star-studded opening night party.

The historic amusement park in Margate is home to Britain's oldest surviving rollercoaster and many other classic rides.

Pleasurewood Hills launches new their dodgems ride Hyper Drive when the park opens for the 2015 season.

The all-new attraction is located in front of a themed New York Subway train in the middle of the park between the entrance and other rides such as Marble Madness and HoBs PiT.