A soft play center in Lanarkshire faced complaints from a dissatisfied mother in Glasgow who organized her son’s birthday party there and criticized it as “disgusting,” citing serious safety issues. Renee Shaw, residing in Glasgow’s southside, reserved The Wee Playhouse in East Kilbride for her son’s fourth birthday on March 14. Even though her son had chosen the venue based on a previous positive experience, upon arrival, she was shocked by the conditions, describing them as substandard.
Having spent £150 on the booking, the 24-year-old referred to the place as “The Wee Horror House,” emphasizing its uncleanliness. She expressed disappointment, stating, “My little boy wanted to go to The Wee Playhouse because it’s one of the few soft play areas with the roller slides he loves. But when we got there, it was unlike anything I had ever seen. I was devastated because I always strive to provide the best for my children.”
Upon entering the party room, Renee encountered deteriorating walls, sticky carpets, mold, and unpleasant odors. Despite the appalling conditions, with ten children en route for the celebration, she felt compelled to proceed. According to her, the establishment had visible mold, neglected walls, sticky floors, and unsanitary serving items. She highlighted safety hazards such as a malfunctioning fire exit door and overall uncleanliness, mentioning dust accumulation and spiderwebs throughout the premises.
Expressing her safety concerns, the mother shared her disappointment with the venue’s state. The soft play facility in East Kilbride had previously undergone safety inspections in 2024 after a child sustained injuries from a fall. Renee noted that two years later, the area remained inadequately secured with makeshift barriers.
Following her complaints to staff, a meeting was scheduled with the owner for the next day, but the owner failed to show up, prompting staff to contact Police Scotland, alleging unauthorized entry by Renee. However, police confirmed no criminal activity and reported the safety concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Environmental Services of South Lanarkshire conducted an inspection at the venue in response to the complaints. The council confirmed that they are collaborating with the operators to address any identified issues. The Wee Playhouse responded, emphasizing their commitment to child safety, conducting regular safety checks, and promptly addressing any concerns raised.
The venue clarified that any closed play areas are for safety reasons, exceeding legal inspection requirements. They acknowledged the use of tape for party decorations causing paint damage and emphasized their dedication to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for families visiting their facility. They expressed willingness to address concerns through appropriate channels, prioritizing the well-being of children and families in their care.