Council officials told to question adults in public park without children

People out for a stroll or to walk their dog face being quizzed about their motives for being there and placed under suspicion of being a paedophile.

Senior officials at Telford and Wreckin Council said the policy was to protect children and the vulnerable, and they would only stop anyone acting suspiciously.

But their actions have been branded heavy handed and "draconian".


Photo from here.

The policy came to light after two environmental campaigners dressed as penguins were thrown out of Telford Town Park when caught handing out leaflets on climate change.

Rachel Whittaker and Neil Donaldson, of the Wrekin Stop War pressure group, were told they had to leave the park because they had not undergone Criminal Records Bureau checks or risk assessments before being allowed near children.

David Ottley, Telford & Wrekin's sports and recreation manager, said in a letter to them: "Our Town Park staff approach adults that are not associated with any children in the Town Park and request the reason for them being there."