Officials in a town northeast of London have banned inflatable swimming pools for posing a "fire risk."

The Daily Mail reports that a housing association in Romford, a suburban town of 36,500 said the pools might get in the way of fire trucks. Meanwhile firefighters said the ban is ridiculous and that a pool of water would be useful in the event of a fire. "I know the estate very well and I can see absolutely no access issues whatsoever," said fire official Graham Hart.

Parents in a nearby community were told to get rid of the four inflatable pools they have set up in a communal garden — the day before their kids started summer vacation.

"The kids aren't allowed to skate outside, are not allowed to play ball games, and now this," said Emma Stacey whose two kids have been using the pool throughout the summer. "Parents have to take their children somewhere to play. It's the health and safety brigade gone mad again."