New restrictions on Alton Towers’ water rapids ride have seen thrill-seekers turned away from the popular attraction, it has been claimed.
Theme park bosses now say riders on the Congo River Rapids must be 0.9 metres high and accompanied by at least one adult over the age of 18.
The new restriction comes into force almost two months after a schoolgirl died when she fell from a similar ride at Drayton Manor Theme Park, in Tamworth.
Evha Jannath, 11, was on a school trip when she fell from the Splash Canyon ride on May 9. She was pulled from the water but later died in hospital.
The Congo River Rapids, which were first opened at Alton Towers in 1986, was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure following the tragic events at Drayton Manor.
However, an Alton Towers spokesman said the changes made were simply and "updated measure" and not in response "to any other factors".
An Alton Towers spokesperson said: "Alton Towers Resort now requires that you must be over 0.9m and accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age to ride the Congo River Rapids.
"This additional measure is in line with other Merlin attractions, some of which have requested a responsible adult be present for a number of years. This is simply an updated measure and not in response to any other factors."
A post on Towers Street, the independent Alton Towers news Facebook page, said of the Congo River Rapids restrictions: "Many groups are now being turned away at the entrance to the ride after failing to provide suitable ID."
