Prime Minister Theresa May has been urged to ban bouncy castles after two children lost their lives in separate incidents.
Harlow MP Robert Halfon wants the PM to ‘urgently review the regulations on bouncy castles and inflatables’ and impose a temporary ban on inflatable attractions until ‘we know they can be safe’ following the deaths of Summer Grant, seven, and Ava-May Littleboy, three.
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, MP Robert said: ‘I have been contacted by other parents around the country whose children have been injured in similar circumstances.
‘A reputable operator from Harlow has told me that bouncy castles can be bought for just a few hundred pounds on eBay and that many inflatables are not properly regulated.’
Signalling that she would consider the ban, the PM offered her condolences to the families of Summer and Ava-May as she admitted she shares the MP’s concerns.
She said: ‘I offer my deepest condolences, and I am sure those of the whole House, to the family of Summer Grant and the family of Ava-May Littleboy, who tragically was the victim of the bouncy castle incident that took place at the weekend.
‘As regards the incident that took place at the weekend, I understand Norfolk Police, aided and working with the Health and Safety Executive, have started an investigation into the incident.
‘It’s too early to know the cause of the incident but if any findings emerge from the investigation then the necessary recommendations to improve safety will be shared across the relevant sectors as soon as possible.’
Summer was killed in 2016 when a bouncy castle blew free from its moorings in Harlow, Essex. Ava-May died from a head injury when she was thrown from a bouncy castle in Gorleston-on-Sea, near Great Yarmouth, last Sunday.
MP Robert first suggested the bouncy castle on Twitter following the tragedy on Sunday.
He tweeted: ‘After two horrific tragedies, Government need to look at an update of regulations and inspection regime and consider a temporary ban on bouncy castles in public areas until we can be sure that they are safe.’
One council - Havant Borough - has already banned the use of inflatables in any events taking place on its land.
