A THEME park will investigate whether its online accessibility guide should be more prominent after a man with Down’s syndrome was prevented from riding on his own.

Gareth Bowen-Jones had been looking forward to his visit to Flamingo Land, near Malton, North Yorkshire, for weeks when he visited with his mother, Evelyn, last week.

But sadly, confusion over the park’s disability policy meant he was unable to go on a ride for more than four hours.

As Mrs Bowen-Jones, does not like theme park rides, 30-year-old Gareth, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, had planned to ride alone.

However, it is Flamingo Land’s policy that those with a direct access wrist band – a pass allowing disabled people to jump the queue - must be accompanied by a carer in case of an evacuation.

The information is included in the ‘plan your visit’ section of the Flamingo Land website, as well as in the frequently asked questions, but Mrs Bowen-Jones - who was wearing the purple carer’s wrist band - believes it is not obvious where to look for it.

She said she was unaware of the restrictions when she applied for the wrist bands and accused the attraction of operating a “blanket policy.”

She said her son was more than capable of riding alone, and in a complaint to Flamingo Land: “He has been discriminated against, treated as a child, ignored by your staff and his day has been ruined. I am totally disgusted.”

After being turned away repeatedly, Mr Bowen-Jones removed his wrist band, only to receive the same response when he reached the front of the queue.

He said: “I am 30-year-old man and I was treated like a 14-year-old.”

Eventually, with just one hour until his coach departed, Mr Bowen-Jones was given fast track vouchers and was allowed to ride alone – adding to the family’s confusion.

In an email to Mrs Bowen-Jones, Ross Snipp, deputy executive of Flamingo Land, said the company would review whether the accessibility guide could be made clearer and easier to find.

He said the fact that accessibility bands are for those unable to queue would be emphasised, along with the purpose of the carers band, and said he would make sure the policy was enforced consistently.

He added: “If any of our staff members spoke directly to you and did not address Gareth, then I apologise unreservedly. This is not normal of our staff and we never have had feedback like this before.”