Bungee operators banned from Urban Council turf are angry a trapeze act is being allowed to stage shows outside the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui from today. Bungy Zone Adventures is accusing the council of duplicity in hosting the act despite saying 'high risk' activities would not be allowed at its facilities. The French troupe, Les Arts Sauts (the Art of Jumping), erected a 20-metre-high trapeze frame in the Cultural Centre piazza yesterday in preparation for the 3 pm preview show for a disabled group today. A council spokesman said the troupe, in town for three days of performances, was allowed to perform because they were professional and used safety nets. But Paul Boyle of Bungy Zone said his proposals to hold jumps at council facilities included the use of a safety air bag. He said the proposals have been repeatedly rejected. 'Are they accusing us of being unprofessional? We've been in the business for over 10 years with over 100,000 jumps to our credit with no incidents or accidents,' Mr Boyle said. Troupe member Patrice Wojciechowski, admitted the trapeze could be dangerous but said audiences were kept clear of the performing area. He said two of the performers were suffering from twisted ankles and one with a pinched nerve in the back after incidents during their Asian tour. 'But in the trapeze we only have the responsibility of our own safety - the audience does not physically take part in the show,' Mr Wojciechowski said. Mr Boyle emphasised that he wanted to stage an exhibition bungee jump at a council facility first, using professionals from his company only. 'This would prove its safety to the council, but they will not even allow us to do that - it's basically the same thing as the trapeze people are doing,' he said. Urban and Legislative Councillor, Fred Li Wah-ming, said he was surprised the trapeze show was allowed but not the bungee exhibition. He said he would take up the issue with the council and the Director of Urban Services.
