A NORTH Yorkshire theme park has been told to paint a white knuckle ride white because the existing colour scheme is causing nearby residents to see red.

The 55-metre high Cliff Hanger at Flamingo Land was painted with red and white stripes when it was built earlier this year.

But some of the park's neighbours have claimed the tower ride, which is visible from several miles away, is an eyesore and have called for its removal.

Planning permission was given for a white latticed tower ride last year.

But the park's application was hauled in before district planners when the existing design - red and white striped cladding - was unveiled.

As a result, last night members of Ryedale District Council's northern area planning committee had the option of refusing planning permission and asking park chiefs to dismantle the ride.

Instead they decided to defer the matter to give the park time to change the colour scheme to all white to make it look less conspicuous.

Coun Debbie Aubrook said: "I would be quite happy for the cladding to remain and the colour to be changed.

"I would be reluctant to ask the park to take the ride down."

Coun Joan Taylor agreed saying that park chiefs should be given a chance to paint the cladding structure all white.

Coun Linda Cowling said: "I think it is quite important to retain the cladding because it helps reduce the noise impact of the ride."

But Coun Gary Hobbs disagreed adding: "There was an agreement when planning permission was granted and the cladding should go."

Steve Crampton, one of Flamingo Land's directors, told members he was keen for the ride to stay with the existing cladding.

"The complaints we have had from residents has been negligible," he said.

"The cladding had a smoother impact on the landscape. If we had the latticed structure it would turn the ride into a more industrial looking structure, more like an oil rig."

Council members will wait until the ride has been painted white before making their decision on whether to grant the park permission.

Updated: 09:29 Wednesday, May 08, 2002