Alton Towers Customer Asked To Show Doctor’s Letter For Special Ride Access
samedifference1, 5 August 2011
Her disability is physical and very visible. She shouldn’t have to prove it in any way, let alone a way that causes such inconvenience!
Britain’s biggest theme park is used to giving its customers a truly shocking experience on its rides.
But for Rosie Belhamza the shocks began before she got to Alton Towers.
When she rang to book Rosie was told that despite having only one leg, she had to prove her disability with a doctor’s letter to get special access to rides.
Rosie, 47, who suffers from diabetic neuropathy which led to her losing her right leg after an accident, said: "I took my nephew to Alton Towers last year and all that was needed was my Disability Living Allowance letter.
"But when I rang last week they insisted I produce a doctor’s letter explaining my condition.”
The admin officer, of Derby, added: "I’m angry. They told me to book an urgent doctor’s appointment but I think most GPs would find this unacceptable. Many also charge up to £50 for a letter.”
The park, in Alton, Staffs, visited by three million people a year, boasts in its disabled visitors’ guide: "Our policy has been updated to provide an even better service to those who need it.”
But Neil Coyle of campaign group Disability Alliance said: "Forcing people to get a doctor’s letter is not reasonable.
"The Mirror has exposed this when a third of disabled people are in poverty. Many will struggle to afford both a day out and a GP’s letter.”
Alton Towers said: "We are sorry a customer was asked to book an urgent doctor’s appointment and we apologise. We aim to ensure disabled guests are treated with respect.”
The park – owned by global leisure firm Merlin Entertainments Group – said its policy was "reviewed with the help of organisations including Scope”.
But charity chief Richard Hawkes said: "We’d encourage Merlin to work with disabled customers to make their theme parks easier to enjoy, rather than putting extra costly red tape in their way.”