The parents of a disabled man have slammed bowling alley operators for removing concessions for disabled people during half-term holidays.

Joseph Cook, 27, who has a rare chromosome abnormality, has been going to Hollywood Bowl in Medway Valley Leisure Park every Friday for the last five years but is only able to afford to go with his two carers due to the 50 per cent discount normally offered by the company.

Hollywood Bowl had offered him the concessionary rate during the summer holiday, but dad Martin was stunned when he was told he would have to pay full price during the half-term holiday.

It prompted the family to head to the bowling alley with banners and drums to make their point, not just for Joseph’s sake but for all disabled users.

“My son goes every single week,” said Martin, 57, a retired firefighter and driving instructor from Franks Court, Gillingham. “He has the same disability today as he will tomorrow. He goes every week, 52 weeks a year, with two carers.

“They’ve said they’re not doing concessions during the school holidays because it’s their busiest period, but as someone said on Facebook, during the week the concessions keep them going.

“They couldn’t give a reason other than it’s the busiest period, but whether it’s their busiest period or not, he’s there this week, he was there last week and he’ll be there next week. I’m asking them to realise that his disability is 52 weeks a year, and should be treated the same.”

“I think it’s a disgrace that they’re discriminating” - dad Martin Cook

Mr Cook said most other visitor attractions offered discounts during holiday periods, but that bowling was his son’s favourite pastime.

“He absolutely loves it,” he added. “I think it’s a disgrace that they’re discriminating.”

Mum Tracey, who works in early years education, said: “The strength of feeling on social media is very obvious. It’s not just for Joe, it’s for other people with disabilities who haven’t got a voice.”

A spokeswoman for Hollywood Bowl, said the company apologised for any upset caused to Mr Cook and his family, adding: “We see on a daily basis how much people with disabilities enjoy bowling with us, which is why we offer an adult concessionary rate of a 50% discount which is available to customers with disabilities and their carers.

“The time the concession is available hasn’t changed. It is valid every weekday before 6pm for 48 out of 52 weeks in the year, including the summer holidays, and is far higher than the discounts we offer to most other customer groups.

“At certain limited ‘peak’ periods it is not always commercially possible to offer this concessionary discount, or the discounts offered to student, senior and other groups.

“We’re genuinely sorry Martin is frustrated with us. Although we couldn’t offer a concession rate in this instance, as a gesture of goodwill we would like to invite Martin and his family to bowl and enjoy a meal at the diner as our guests.”