A MOTHER from Wigton has expressed her dismay at a theme park's lack of rides suitable for disabled customers - with enquiries resulting in not one ride available for her son.

Michelle Wall and her son Noah, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, sat down and discussed the trips they want to take over the summer. Noah wanted to visit a theme park during the school holiday.

After consulting the website of Gulliver's Theme Park, which stated the attraction was disability friendly, Michelle said she rang to check some details. She asked if they had disabled parking close by, and a disabled bench hoist, to which they replied yes.

Michelle also asked what rides Noah would be able to go on. She was asked if her son could walk and she explained he was paralysed. The theme park then told Michelle that Noah could not go on any rides due to health and safety.

Michelle said: "I said on the phone 'so you don’t cater for disabled people?' and was told that they do. So I said 'how can you cater 100 per cent for disabled people when you clearly don’t for them all'?

"I’m absolutely disgusted and had to put the phone down as I was upset. Noah was sat by my side asking questions, and I had to explain that he couldn’t go on the rides because he couldn’t get up out of his chair and walk.

"I looked at his little face and I was heartbroken, Noah was angry and upset.

News and Star: Noah in the wheelchair he uses Noah in the wheelchair he uses (Image: Newsquest)

"It looks like we can go, park, use the toilet and have something to eat but that’s it!"

Michelle continued: "I think that as many rides as possible should be adapted for wheelchair users.

"Disabled children and adults should be allowed to have the same experience as everyone else, and shouldn’t be expected to just sit there and watch!"

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Michelle took to Twitter with her complaint and received support from hundreds of people, including former Paralympian Tanni-Grey Thompson.

 

A spokesperson for Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, said: “Gulliver’s has welcomed visitors with additional needs to its theme parks since it was founded 45 years ago. 

“Detailed information about accessibility and concessions can be found on our website, along with a downloadable Ride Accessibility Guide that enables guests to assess whether each ride is suitable for their own individual preferences or disabilities.

“We would like to reiterate that we do take accessibility and inclusivity very seriously, hosting multiple families and charity organisations throughout the year, and we will continue to work closely on our policies and procedures with our own community of visitors with additional needs, as well as our access auditors and advisory partners.”