IT was less big thrills and more damp squib for many Easter holiday visitors to Wales’ only theme park according to online reviews.

Once the place to go for thrill seekers and rollercoaster enthusiasts, many visitors to Oakwood Theme Park claimed it was in need of improvement.

Reviews on both Oakwood’s Facebook page and TripAdvisor made reference to a park becoming rundown, tired and often with rides closed.

But many are just “trying their luck to see what they get” and hadn’t even visited the theme park, said Oakwood boss Phil Verbinnen.

On April 19, Sian Oliver Coombs wrote: “Looking very rundown and tired. There are a number of rides closed for maintenance. Amazing seeing Oakwood has only just reopened after the winter. Surely the time to do maintenance is while you are closed.”

Bethan Ralph wrote in a Facebook review: “Used to love coming here as a kid - every year we would have a day out at Oakwood. Booked our tickets online where it said that only one ride was shut. Get to the door, several rides were closed. Only spent about an hour here with only two of the main attractions being open.”

Mr Verbinnen said while there had been issues over ride availability due to the allocation of ADIPS (Amusement Device Inspection Procedure Scheme) inspections, this was clearly stated on the park’s website and at the entrance.

“Whilst we experienced a number of challenges throughout the opening weekend, we remain committed to ensuring the visitor experience, and reacting to customer feedback. We have received a number of positive comments throughout Easter, and sold a record number of Annual Passes.

“We have worked hard to put together an exciting range of events throughout the year, including the return of After Dark and Spooktacular, both of which contain new elements for 2017. And also new events such as Egg-stravaganza, Explore Neverland and Firework Spectacular. We are also thrilled to welcome The Gruffalo to Oakwood on 29th and 30th April, and are currently offering 20% off tickets booked online. We are also incredibly excited to open a new ride this year ‘Flight of the Giant Peach’, plus another element of Dahland this coming Bank Holiday weekend.

“My over-riding concern about this subject is that people can write what they want on social media without fear of repercussion, or even any responsibility of accuracy. We have a customer feedback procedure in place, and are actively responding to customers who have contacted us with feedback, queries or concerns from Easter, particularly the opening couple of days. This process however is being delayed by the unnecessary contact with people claiming to have visited Oakwood over Easter, but in reality didn’t, and are simply ‘trying their luck’ to see what they get. This is incredibly frustrating for us, and tying up resource that otherwise would be assisting genuine enquires.”