Outrage over play centre 'chickenpox party' plan

The owner of a children's indoor activity centre has said a secret plan to arrange a "chickenpox party" at her venue is "shocking and selfish".

Jane Coulson, the owner of Play World in Gainsborough, said she received a tip-off from a "concerned mother" about a party that would encourage the spread of the virus between children.

Parents visiting the play centre with their young children have described the plan as "dangerous" and "irresponsible".

The NHS advises people with chickenpox not to go near newborn babies, anyone who is pregnant, or anyone with a weakened immune system, as chickenpox can be particularly dangerous for them.

Ms Coulson said she was especially worried because children with lowered immune systems often visit the play venue.

"Someone deliberately bringing in something like chickenpox is very selfish," she said. "If you want to have a chickenpox party, have it in your own home.

"I was surprised, I thought people would have common sense. If your child is ill, don't bring them to a place like this."

Tony McGinty, a public health consultant at Lincolnshire County Council, said exposing children to others with chickenpox was "not advisable anywhere".

"Worse-case scenario is children can develop brain inflammations and infections, some have been known to have strokes as a result of being exposed to the virus," he said.

"It can have really poor outcomes, even death if children are badly affected."

Once informed, the centre posted on social media to urge people not to bring children with infectious illnesses to the site.

Joanna, a mother who regularly visited the activity centre, said she believed the idea of holding a chickenpox party in public was "ridiculous".

"Don't come to a public place where there are other children and parents who could have health issues," she said. "It could put other people in danger."

Another parent, Beth, said although she does not disagree with the idea of a chickenpox party, they should never be organised in public spaces.

"It's not fair on everyone," she said. "If you're going to do something like that, go to your own home."

Public health expert Mr McGinty said there was "very little benefit" to exposing children to the virus at a very young age and warned about a "knock-on effect".

"Whilst some children present may become infected and have a mild illness, some of them may become very seriously ill," he said.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.