Urgent modifications are being made to a roundabout on Brightlingsea’s promenade after children’s shoelaces were ripped out of their trainers after being caught on bolts as it spun.
One parent, who posted images of torn trainers on Facebook, said her daughter came close to having a dislocated knee after the child’s laces were trapped. Other parents also reported similar incidents.
Following the reports, and questions by Brightlingsea Info, Brightlingsea Town Council (BTC) has cordoned off the roundabout on Pawson’s Playground and says it “should not be used under any circumstances” until safety modifications are made.
The issue occurs when shoelaces catch on the hexagonal bolt heads at the base of the moving part of the roundabout. As the roundabout turns, the laces are then drawn in to a small gap between the moving part and the base.
After a similar incident was reported in February, the council says it discussed the issue with the manufacturer who replied that it had installed over 600 of the roundabouts and that this was the first time it had heard of any safety issues. The council also says that the equipment passed its annual safety inspection in May.
However, the council said in a statement: “After further insistence from us the manufacturer have supplied an update where round headed bolts are to be fitted on the lower half of the equipment where shoes and laces could be tangled on the bolts. Further, after council officers’ own investigation we will also be fitting security bolts to eliminate the chance of the bolts and nuts coming undone.”
BTC added: “We would like to remind residents that should at any time an incident of this type occur on the council’s equipment they must report them as soon as possible to the staff at the Parish Hall so that we may resolve the issue in the fastest possible time. We wish to keep the children of Brightlingsea safe at all times.”
