The mother of a disabled man has started a campaign after Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester suddenly banned her 40-year-old son due to the centre's protection policy.Simon Thomason was a loyal customer and had been enjoying regular visits when he was suddenly told he was no longer welcome.
Simon, who has a mental age of seven, was given a pass to the centre from his family, but after seven months he was told it would not be renewed.
The centre was made aware of Simon's condition upon selling the ticket to his family, but the centre has now said that they have a policy for refusing adults who are not accompanied by a child under the age of 16.
The Thomason family are not the only ones to be affected by the policy with 20-year-old Anthony Lewis who suffers from Williams Syndrome being told he and his carer would not be permitted entry.
Almost 4000 people have lended their support to the Lewis family by signing a petition which urges the discovery centre to allow disabled adults enter the centre with a carer.
Determined her son's case is brought to public attention, Anthony's mother Elaine said: "My son and his carer were refused entry on the grounds of child safety but it is him that needs protecting from ignorance and prejudice."
Eager to explain her stance on the matter, Elaine goes on to say: "Adults with a learning disability are just children in adult-sized bodies."
A spokesperson for Legoland, who have yet to revise their policy, said: "We make no apologies for this policy and believe it to be reasonable and appropriate, and one on which we make no exceptions."
The centre, who was keen to highlight their adult-only events, went on to say "We regularly host evening events specifically for adults in order to showcase specific attractions within the centre and these are very well attended."
This particular policy is not enforced across all centres.
