Health and safety bursts clown's bubble

Updated 14.13 Thu Jun 14 2007
Keywords: Sheffield, bubble, safety, health, clown

A Sheffield clown has found that life is far from a bundle of laughs after being told bubble-blowing is a safety hazard.

Troubles began for Barney Baloney (real name Tony Turner) when he learnt that his bubble machine - a big favourite with the kids, may have to go, after his insurance company said it was a safety risk.

Insuarance companies have refused to insure Barney for his act because the soapy liquid in the bubbles could lead to youngsters slipping, falling over and hurting themselves

The company have refused to insure Barney for his act because the soapy liquid in the bubbles could lead to youngsters slipping, falling over and hurting themselves.

This is the latest in a string of regulations aimed at protecting children - already some schools have banned contact games like tig in the playground due to worries about the risk of injuries.

However Barney is not the only one that thinks this kind of bureaucracy is taking the fun out of children's lives - teachers at one of the children's centres in Sheffield where Barney performs agrees it's being taken too far.

For now, it doesn't look like Barney will be forever blowing bubbles- actor's union Equity have agreed to insure his act, but after taking advice, he will no longer be blowing bubbles.

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