A GYMNASTICS club has infuriated an Ipswich family after it admitted negligence over an incident which injured their 13-year-old son - then banned him from the premises.

A GYMNASTICS club has infuriated an Ipswich family after it admitted negligence over an incident which injured their 13-year-old son - then banned him from the premises.

Pauline and Mark Holland are today claiming damages from Gymnastics in Ipswich after the alleged trampoline calamity which left their son, Sam, with a dislocated elbow.

Mrs Holland, of Haslemere Drive, was also dismayed when the club rubbed salt into the teenager's wounds by barring him from the centre because she had started legal proceedings.

Mrs Holland's solicitor today branded the move a “personal insult” to Sam.

A spokeswoman from Gymnastics in Ipswich did not wish to comment while legal action was ongoing.

Sam, a pupil at Northgate High School, said he was “upset” by the decision and added: “I just want to come back because it's fun and my mates go there.”

The injury occurred in September last year during a youth night open play session at the Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club, which has been selected as a training venue for the 2012 Olympics.

It is alleged that a member of staff jumped on the trampoline while Sam was bouncing on it and caused him to fall awkwardly.

His arm was placed in a sling and he was unable to play sport for around three months, but he decided to conquer his new fear of trampolines by going back to the class in January.

But to the family's disbelief, the club asked him not to return because of the legal proceedings.

Mrs Holland, 43, said: “It is a disgrace the accident happened in the first place and appalling that the centre should be allowed to do this.

“It is punishing him twice for something that was beyond his control.”

Mr Holland, 41, added: “Sam always said what a good time he had at the club. For them to say he's not welcome is out of order.”

Solicitors acting on behalf of the family are now in negotiation over compensation after insurers for Gymnastics in Ipswich accepted liability for the incident.

Darren Addicott, the solicitor for Co-operative Legal Services who is acting for Mrs Holland, said: “It is a personal insult that they are not allowing Samuel to go back even though it is not his fault and was their negligence.

“It is a slap in the face.”

Should the club let Sam back? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk