Protest pair defy park ban

Environmental campaigners who had dressed as penguins today defied a ban on handing out leaflets without permission in Telford Town Park.Rachel Whittaker, of Wellington, was thrown out of the park last week after being told she needed permission, a criminal records bureau check and a risk assessment, before she would be allowed to distribute her leaflets on climate change.

But today she risked being ejected again, after deciding to finish giving out the 200 leaflets she has had printed.

Joined by campaigner Graham Bunn, of Madeley, the pair vowed to stay until the job was done - even if it meant having to sit down and park bosses having to call police.

The 34-year-old, who once again donned a penguin beak and yellow flippers to highlight the plight of penguins and how they are affected by climate change, vowed to carry on her fight to raise awareness.

She said her right to protest had been suppressed when she was told to go on Friday. "We are not here to antagonise the park, but we're here to prove a point," she said.

"We feel it's a public place and we're not doing any harm. We are trying to raise awareness of the issue of climate change."

Telford & Wrekin Council, which owns and manages the park, today defended its rules for the site. David Morgan, council spokesman, said there were many children in the park during the summer months and the council had a duty of care to them and adult visitors.

He said: "People wanting to participate in an activity or stage an event need permission. It is not the authority being heavy-handed, it's a legal requirement."