Mother Reports 'Vile' Soft Play Centre After Son's Birthday Party Incident
A Lanarkshire soft play centre has been reported to authorities after a Glasgow mother branded the venue "vile" and raised serious safety concerns following her son's fourth birthday party. The incident led to police attendance and subsequent council inspections.
Birthday Celebration Turns Into Safety Nightmare
Renee Shaw, a 24-year-old mother from Glasgow's southside, booked The Wee Playhouse in East Kilbride for her son's birthday celebration on 14th March. The youngster had chosen the venue himself after a previous enjoyable visit, but what the family encountered shocked them.
"My little boy picked to go to The Wee Playhouse as it's one of the only soft plays that has the roller slides he really enjoys," Renee told Glasgow Live. "But when we turned up, it was like nothing I had ever seen before. I was gutted because I always give my children the best."
Alarming Conditions Discovered
Upon arrival, Renee described discovering:
- Mould coming through the ceilings
- Neglected walls and sticky carpets
- A foul smell throughout the premises
- Filthy jugs and cutlery provided for the party
- Thick dust and spiderwebs in every corner
The mother-of-three, who spent £150 on the booking, noted that socks went in white and came out black from the play area. With ten children already en route to celebrate, she felt unable to cancel the party at such short notice.
Serious Safety Hazards Identified
Most concerning to Renee were the safety issues she observed. The fire exit door swung open three times during their visit without being touched, leading directly onto a main road. Additionally, an area that had been shut down for safety inspections in 2024 following a child's 7ft fall through a net remained "unprofessionally taped off" with sticky duct tape.
"It leaves exposed spaces for another accident to happen," Renee warned. "It's not about the money, I'm genuinely worried a child will be hurt."
Police Involvement and Failed Meeting
Following her complaints to staff, a meeting was arranged between Renee and the soft play owner for 15th March. The mother claims she arrived on time only for the owner to be a "no show." Staff members subsequently called Police Scotland, alleging that Renee had "forced entry" to the premises.
Officers attended the venue but confirmed no criminal activity had taken place. Police Scotland then notified relevant authorities regarding the safety concerns raised by the mother.
Council Inspection and Venue Response
South Lanarkshire's Environmental Services carried out an inspection earlier this week. A council spokesperson stated: "Officers from Environmental Services have visited the premises and are working with the operators to address any concerns identified."
The Wee Playhouse responded with a statement defending their safety practices: "Any area of our play frame that is closed at any time is closed for one reason only - the safety of children. We carry out four professional safety inspections per year, significantly exceeding the single annual inspection required by law."
The venue added that their most recent inspection in December 2025 confirmed all areas as safe and satisfactory, and that they close any activity immediately when daily checks identify concerns.
Ongoing Concerns and Parental Warning
Renee Shaw says her primary motivation is to alert other parents to what she describes as serious safety concerns. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between customer expectations and business practices in family entertainment venues.
"What we encountered was horrendous," Renee concluded. "I want other parents to know about these conditions before they book parties for their children."
