A children’s soft play centre in the Cotswolds has been forced to remove Halloween decorations that resembled human body bags. Rugrats & Halfpints in Cirencester, had hung the black plastic bags, which were displayed to look like they contained human corpses, in their indoor play area, in the same space where kids enjoy the centre’s soft play activities.
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. But the decorations have now been taken down, with the play park issuing an apology after one shocked parent did a “double take” when she took her daughter to the centre over the weekend.
The mum, who did not wish to be named, 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.”
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Rugrats & Halfpints 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”.