THE simulator ride on Bournemouth’s Pier Approach is set to disappear after 14 years.

Operators S & D Leisure Ltd says it took the decision because of decreasing footfall at Pier Approach.

The ride offered users a range of experiences from driving a Formula One car to flying with the Red Arrows.

Stanley Reeves, managing director of S & D Leisure, said: “Everyone has had a dreadful season. This is the worst summer we’ve had in Bournemouth. We put it down to the weather and the economic climate.

“We are removing the simulator on a permanent basis. We have two years left on the lease for the simulator but are surrendering it early.

“Before the Imax was built there was a car park there and people used to park their cars and walk down to the simulator. After the Imax was built the footfall decreased.

“We have run it at a loss for the past two years. We don’t like to lose attractions. We have now got to reduce staff and the Pier Approach loses an attraction.”

Work to remove the simulator began yesterday, a day after S & D Leisure Ltd deflated the Bournemouth Balloon for the winter, so that it can undergo its annual MOT as required by health and safety regulations.

Mr Reeves said: “I think the balloon is in very good shape.

“We definitely want the balloon to stay in Bournemouth.”

SO has it been Bournemouth's worst summer?

SO has it been the “worst summer ever” for Bournemouth’s tourism?

Mark Smith, the council’s director of tourism, said: “The early season weather was excellent; later on, it wasn’t quite so good.

“In spite of that, we saw more people in Bournemouth spending a little bit more than previously, as a result of the recession, but with so much on offer here, we had a much stronger product than in the past.”

Andy Price, owner of Aruba, WestBeach and The Print Room, said: “One of the principal causes footfall is down is because of the bad weather. We haven’t had a hot summer since Aruba opened in 2007. We’re due one. “The weather in August over the Air Festival weekend and bank holiday had a particular impact.”

Alison Gandolfi, vice chairman of BAHA, which represents 120 hotels and guest houses, said: “It’s been OK given the current climate. The weather definitely had an impact. But I haven’t had a lot of negative feedback.”

Debbie Payne, director of Boscombe Spa Resort Hotels, said: “July, August and September were okay, I don’t think anybody would say it was dreadful. Prior to that it was difficult.”