Alton Towers, the Staffordshire-based theme park, has been fined £5,000 following a complaint regarding noise levels by a couple that lives just 100 yards from the park’s main gates.

Stephen and Suzanne Roper claimed that, although noise levels have been constant ever since the opening of the park, the addition of the Oblivion rollercoaster ride in 1998 had made their lives a “miserable” experience.

The couple won a magistrates court decision in August which ruled that the theme park must limit its noise levels.

As a result, Tussauds Group – -which owns Alton Towers – was this week served with a noise abatement notice as well as the £5,000 fine.

The decision will force the park to take action so that no noise can be heard at the Roper’s home – in which they have lived since 1969. The park could be forced to close the Oblivion ride as well as limiting its popular firework displays to one a year.

Alton Towers called the judge’s decision excessive and declaredit would appeal against the verdict.

A spokesperson said: “We believe the abatement order includes unreasonable conditions and we will be appealing this judgement as we do not believe it to be in the best interests of our business or the broader local community.

“We have been hugely encouraged by the overwhelming support we have had from the local community and take our role as the county’s biggest employer and as a catalyst for local business seriously.”