Fury after killjoy council BANS bouncy castles in native parks
Residents and business owners have been left furious after a Worcestershire council banned bouncy castles in local parks – with critics branding the move ‘health and safety gone mad.’
The controversial decision by Wyre Forest District Council is due to insurance companies no longer offering coverage for inflatables on council land.
The ban threatens numerous events across Wyre Forest this summer, including those in Kidderminster’s Brinton Park.
Dave Griffin, owner of the events hire business Quads ‘N’ Castles, expressed his disappointment after receiving an email from the council informing him of the new rule.
Griffin, who also founded the homelessness charity HELP, argues that his business carries adequate insurance and that the council would not be liable for any issues.
Residents and business owners have been left furious after a Worcestershire council bans bouncy castles in local parks – with critics branding the move ‘health and safety gone mad.’
Speaking to Worcester News, he said: ‘I just think it’s absolutely ridiculous. I have been helping out in the community for many years and supply events for West Mercia Police, West Midlands Police, social services, and schools.
‘This new rule has come out of nowhere, and we’ve never had any problems or accidents at our events.’
Griffin explained that his business is insured for up to £10 million, although his other clients, including West Mercia Police, only require £5 million.
He reduced his insurance liability to £5 million at the end of May but is willing to increase it back to £10 million if it will prompt the council to reconsider. However, he claims the council appears unwilling to negotiate.
Griffin added: ‘We are first aid trained and insured, we are fully staffed, and health and safety checks are always carried out.
‘I have 24 members of staff and now I am going to have to tell some of them that I don’t have work for them. We just want the children to have a fantastic day out.’
Councillor Fran Oborski has expressed support for Griffin, calling the decision ‘health and safety gone mad.’
She criticised the council for not standing up to the insurance companies and described the ban as ‘completely ludicrous.’
Dave Griffin (pictured), owner of the events hire business Quads ‘N’ Castles, expressed his disappointment after receiving an email from the council informing him of the new rule
She said: ‘Dave does so much in the community and won’t even let children get on the castles if it is too windy.
‘He has all the health and safety measures and insurance he needs for the inflatables. The council’s decision feels like health and safety gone mad.’
In response, a spokesperson for Wyre Forest District Council emphasised their intent to balance risk mitigation without impacting the community negatively.
A spokesman said: ‘We really don’t want to spoil children’s fun or stop there from being bouncy castles at events in our open spaces.
‘The position at the moment is a hirer must have the appropriate cover, which is £10 million. We are working on this and hopeful that we can resolve this issue shortly.’
It comes after North Yorkshire Council has been criticised for banning apostrophes on new street signs.
