'Ridiculous' rules say swings too high

The council is not obliged to remove the swings

Swings in a Wiltshire village have been removed because they are too tall under European Union (EU) rules.

Great Somerford Parish Council said it was shocked when the annual inspection of the playground found the swings were 20 inches over regulation height.

EU edict, European Standard BS EN 11 76, states that swings must be no more than 9 ft 11 ins tall.

The inspectors advised the council it would be good practice to remove the "offending equipment", although it was not compulsory for them to do so.

Unintended consequence

Toby Sturgis, chairman of the parish council, told the BBC: "What is so ridiculous is that the height of the seat from the ground met the required standard, but the height of the frame did not."

"We welcome safety regulations, but they should apply to new equipment when it is put in.

"These swings has been there for 25 years and are inspected every year.

"To deprive children of this was not recognised as a consequence of this directive."

To replace the swings will cost £2,500.