William Eichler 05 July 2018

Council to ban bouncy castles after deaths

Havant Borough Council has banned the use of bouncy castles on its land after an explosion killed a three-year-old girl in Norfolk.

Ava-May Littleboy suffered a fatal head injury when the inflatable trampoline she was playing on ‘exploded’ last Sunday.

Theresa May was asked during Prime Minister’s Questions to introduce a temporary ban.

Offering her condolences to Ava-May’s family, as well as to the family of Summer Grant who was killed two years ago in similar circumstances, Mrs May said: ‘If any findings emerge from the investigation then the necessary recommendations to improve safety will be shared.’

Havant council said they would implement a ban immediately.

‘The extreme high temperatures that are currently being experienced may have been a major contributory factor to the explosion, however we don't know this for certain,’ a council spokesperson said.

‘Until the cause of the explosion has been properly identified, it is not possible to manage this risk.

‘It has therefore been decided that until the reason for the explosion of the bouncy castle has been identified, such that the risk can be properly managed by the event organiser, Havant Borough Council will not permit the use of bouncy castles or inflatables at any events taking place on its land.’

‘The position will be reviewed once the outcome of the enquiry into the cause of the explosion of the bouncy castle is known,’ they added.

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Advanced Skills Worker

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum
Advanced Skills WorkerPermanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27935.00 - £35344.00 per annum + includes allowance
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,935 - £35,344 per annum (including allowance)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - West Essex

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in West E England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Engineer Highways Development Management

Wakefield Council
Grade 11 £47,181 - £50,269, 37 hours, Permanent
Are you a skilled Highways Engineer with a drive to shape sustainable, high‑quality development and influence the future of our transport networks? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Team Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band G SCP 32-37 (£42,839 - £48,226 per annum)
Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for delivering excellent services, supporting customers, and driving performance? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner