LANCASHIRE, England - As part of a push for a more
family-friendly image, blow-up dolls now are banned in Blackpool, a seaside settlement
town in Lancashire.
Blackpool's council leader pledged
to "clean up" the town's often tacky image.
"We've all seen blow-up dolls and other vulgar items for sale on the
promenade," said council leader Coun Peter Callow. "Although it may appear as a
bit of harmless fun, for many it can be deemed offensive. Sex-related articles
such as lewd inflatable novelty goods are not acceptable and are not something
children should be exposed to."
Outlawed items will be seized, and those who sell them could be prosecuted,
officials said.
"Here in Blackpool, selling this type of
merchandise has, to some extent, been commonplace in the past," said a
Blackpool Nightsafe team official. "However, what is clear is that we need to
clean up our act, not only in terms of making Blackpool
a safe place to visit, but also by making it a desirable place to bring up your
family."
The move follows the launch of the Blackpool
council's new code of conduct, which was created earlier this year to urge residents
to have more respect for each other and visitors.
For more information, visit the Blackpool Gazette website.
