Merseyside Parents Swap Halloween Costumes for Free

Parents in Merseyside are turning to a free Halloween costume swap to avoid shop prices one mother called "completely extortionate". Knowsley Council is running the scheme during half-term to help families save money and cut the number of costumes thrown away once Halloween is over.

Lola Roberts visited Prescot Library with her children. Her son had picked a clown costume that cost £40, so she showed him the free alternatives instead. She had come in after seeing a poster for an activity where children decorate their own bags, and was pleased to find so many families at the swap shop.

Organisers said the scheme has proved popular, with children trying on costumes and joining craft activities. Roberts has already set aside a bag of unwanted outfits at home for other families to reuse. "There's such a good sense of community here," she said.

Roberts wants similar events held throughout the year, because children also need fancy dress for school discos and other occasions. No child, she said, should feel left out because the family cannot afford a costume.

Council's aims

Grace Barlow, from the council's recycling engagement team, said the initiative is meant to ease financial pressure on parents and reduce textile waste. "There's such a huge pressure on parents to be buying new costumes every year," she said. Barlow has two children and knows how costumes get stored away or thrown out after one use.

Earlier popular events from the council offered pre-loved Christmas jumpers, and it hopes the Halloween scheme will return in future years. The council is also asking families to donate unwanted costumes at collection points in its libraries after Halloween, so other children can wear them next year.

Source: BBC News