A spokesperson for the theme park said following the carsh, which left four people seriously injured, the park saw a reduced number of visitors, particularly in the key summer months.

Now, as it prepares to open for the new season in March, the spokesperson said the job losses will also help provide a “reactive and customer focused approach”.

The spokeperson added some of the job losses will be “accounted for by a programme of non-replacement of existing vacancies, early retirement, redeployment elsewhere in the group, and voluntary redundancy”.

“As soon as employee representatives have been appointed a consultation period will begin,” they added.

“We appreciate the contribution our employees have made to the business and just how distressing this will be for everyone. 

“Alton Towers will work closely with all those affected in order to support them through the consultation process and any subsequent requirement for alternative employment and job search activities. 

“This includes an extension of its employee assistance programme which will offer immediate phone support to all employees as well as follow-up practical aid and counselling.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision to make and it has not been taken lightly or easily.

“However, we believe that this reorganisation now, together with a continuous programme of capital investment, will not only ensure the resort’s long term growth, which is so vital to the local economy, but also protect the jobs of the bulk of its employees for the future.”