Children’s soft play centre apologises over body bag Halloween decorations

A children’s soft play centre has apologised and removed its realistic-looking Halloween body bags after concerns from “shocked” parents.

One mother, who took her daughter to Rugrats and Halfpints in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, on Sunday said she did a “double take” when she spotted the decorations.

Pictures show they resemble human bodies covered in black plastic – some wrapped with tape marked “Caution” and “Danger” – hanging upside down from poles adjoining one of the soft play structures.

The mother, who didn’t want to be named, told Sky News: “I went inside with my daughter.

“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!”

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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.

A spokesperson 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.”

According to the centre’s website, the Cirencester inside play park offers parents “a variety of different play areas and entertainment for your kids to get stuck in while you can enjoy our onsite cafe”.

“Winner of the Travellers Choice Award 2022, Rugrats is committed to providing a safe, clean and stimulating environment, with the emphasis on fun,” it says.

“In essence, Rugrats and Half Pints is the soft play centre you have been waiting for.”