FFS HAVE WE LOST IT?

By JS2

Matthew Richards from High Littleton, Somerset, who was refused entry to a falconry exhibition at the Puxton Park because he was on his own. The attraction says it is to keep paedophiles away. Picture by Clare Green
A bird enthusiast made a 25-mile trip to see a falconry display at a family leisure park only to be told that single adults are banned – for fear of paedophiles.
Married man Matthew Richards, 54, a father of three grown-up children, was staggered by the rule at award-winning Puxton Park, a family-orientated leisure attraction near Weston-super-Mare.
Mr Richards, who also has three grandchildren, had previously visited the park with his family to admire the birds of prey.
But when he returned on Thursday hoping to watch another falconry display he was told he couldn’t be admitted as a single man, on child protection grounds.
Puxton Park claimed the rule, which is explained in the small print on its website, was “in line with all other parks”.
However Mr Richards, of High Littleton, near Bath, said he couldn’t understand the ban and questioned why the rule was not explained on the brochure which prompted him to visit.
He said: “I was frankly amazed. I was told the rule applies to single men, and women, for the protection of children.
“I couldn’t see anything about the rule on the brochure which I picked up at another attraction.
“We have taken one of our grandchildren there before, and I saw that the falconry was there and thought it would be interesting to go back and see the displays.
“They are advertising adult memberships as gifts so I can’t understand it.”
Puxton Park has many attractions that appeal particularly to young children, including its adventure park for youngsters aged four years and upwards, but its falconry display appeals to all ages.
Puxton’s website does state that single men and women without children are excluded from entry, but the information is not carried on the home page, or under two other sections which might be expected to carry it – the “Access Statement” which gives information for disabled visitors, and “Rules of Admission” which carries helpful guidance such as washing hands after touching the animals, especially before consuming food.
The information on the unaccompanied single adult ban comes in the prices section, at the end of a long list, and after information on gift vouchers. It states: “We are sorry but we are unable to let single men or women without children into the park.
“If you are here to meet someone let one of our reception staff know and they will happily do a tannoy announcement asking them to come and meet you.”
Alistair Mead, managing director of the park said the rule has been in place since the park opened seven years ago.
“There is a lot in the headlines about paedophiles and things that are going on with children.
“We have done our research and in line with all other parks we don’t let single men or women in,” he said.
“We make it quite clear that if people want to Visit Site