Clampdown on lone adults at park

Adults walking in a West Midland park without a child in tow face questioning about what they are doing there as part of a controversial new council policy.

Council staff have been instructed to stop lone adults visiting Telford Town Park in Shropshire as part of precautions to protect children from paedophiles.

The move, described today by critics as "grotesque" and "appalling", was outlined after two environmental campaigners dressed as penguins were thrown out of the beauty spot last month for handing out leaflets on climate change.

Rachel Whittaker and Neil Donaldson, of the Wrekin Stop War group, were ejected because they had not given advance notice of their campaign and undergone a Criminal Records Bureau or risk assessment check in advance.

David Ottley, Telford & Wrekin Council's sport and recreation manager, said: "Our town park staff approach adults that are not associated with any children in the park and request the reason for them being there.

"In particular, this applies to those areas where children or more vulnerable groups gather, such as play facilities and the entrances to play areas.

"This is a child safety precautionary measure which members of staff will continue to undertake as and when necessary. If this means that we have then to take precautions which some people feel are over the top, then so be it."

But town hall chiefs in Telford have been quick to respond to the controversial claims following a tide of criticism from councillors and residents, who said it was unfair to interrogate adults simply enjoying themselves in the park.

The council's director of community services Ron Odunaiya and Councillor Denis Allen, cabinet member for community services, have insisted there was no blanket policy covering all visitors. In a joint statement they said: "There is absolutely no suggestion whatsoever that people are routinely approached by our staff for no apparent reason.

"However, and this is the crucial part, if someone is acting in a suspicious manner or acting in an inappropriate way then, of course, our staff reserve the right to ask questions."

By Victoria Nash