Children’s soft play centre apologises over ‘body bag’ Halloween decorations | Gloucestershire | The Guardian

Oct 21, 2024

Indoor facility in Cirencester removes objects resembling corpses covered in plastic after parents complain

A children’s soft play centre has removed its hanging “body bag” Halloween decorations after concerns were raised by parents.

Rugrats and Halfpints in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, has apologised over the objects resembling human corpses covered in black plastic.

Some appeared to be wrapped with tape bearing the words “caution” and “danger” and were hanging upside down from poles adjoining one of the soft play structures, according to pictures posted online.

One parent who took her daughter to the indoor play park in the Cotswolds on Sunday said she did a “double take” when she spotted the decorations. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told Sky News: “The body bags were at the back which can’t be seen from the cafe area, only by kids inside. “When I saw them I did a double take – surely that can’t be what I think it is? I just didn’t want to have to explain to my kid what they were.

“I spoke to some other parents after who were as shocked as I was that it was deemed appropriate. It’s a great soft play, but that did shock me a bit.”

A spokesperson for the centre told Sky News: “This is the first time someone has brought it to our attention so of course due to this we will take them down immediately. It wasn’t to cause distress and we apologise this is how they have felt.”

The centre’s website says it is “committed to providing a safe, clean and stimulating environment, with the emphasis on fun”, with prices ranging from £5.75 up to £11.75 per child. It offers parents “a variety of different play areas and entertainment for your kids to get stuck in while you can enjoy our on-site cafe”.