A legal case involving an accident at Barry Funfair has brought renewed attention to safety standards and first aid provisions at the fairground. The claim, handled by Robertsons Solicitors, has reached a significant milestone as the settlement of £27,000, together with legal costs has been approved by the court.
The accident, which occurred in 2022, resulted in serious leg injuries to a local schoolgirl (whose identity remains confidential at the request of her family). The incident raised concerns about the fairground’s safety protocols and its operator’s handling of the situation. Despite initially denying liability, the fairground operator was ultimately required to address the claim through formal legal proceedings.
Henry Danter, owner of Barry Island Pleasure Park in the Vale of Glamorgan, has attracted ongoing scrutiny over safety standards at his attractions. He is currently seeking to develop land near Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in nearby Sully into a holiday park. This case adds to growing public concern, highlighting the importance of robust health and safety measures at sites operated under his name.
The schoolgirl, currently studying for her A Levels, was supported throughout a lengthy and challenging litigation process by her determined family and their legal team. After the fairground’s operator denied liability, formal proceedings were issued. Despite several initial low offers from the fair’s legal team and insurers, a settlement was eventually reached. Given the claimant’s age (16), the award required judicial approval.
Andrew Collingbourne, a solicitor at Robertsons Solicitors representing the client and her family, stated:
“This case highlights the necessity for stringent health and safety measures in public spaces. Had the appropriate precautions been in place, this accident might have been prevented. We believe it is essential to bring public attention to these concerns so that similar incidents can be avoided in the future.”
The incident and subsequent legal proceedings have reinforced the need for funfair operators to maintain the highest standards of safety for their visitors. While the family has welcomed the settlement, they remain committed to raising awareness about the risks and the importance of holding fairground operators accountable.
A family representative commented:
“This was not just a minor accident, it had lasting impacts. We hope that by bringing this issue to light, other families will be aware of the risks and fairground operators will take their responsibilities more seriously.”
Although the settlement was made on a without prejudice basis and without formal admission of liability, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with inadequate safety measures at public attractions.
With public safety at the forefront of this case, the family and their legal team are considering further steps to ensure that adequate measures are implemented at Barry Funfair to prevent similar incidents in the future.
