Home Office attacks park policy

The Government has today attacked a controversial borough council policy to stop and quiz childless adults who were spotted in Telford Town Park.

See also: Park pervert patrol shock

The Home Office said Telford & Wrekin Council had no right to accost anyone innocently enjoying the park.

It also said the council could not demand Criminals Records Bureau checks on anyone not working with children or vulnerable adults.

But Telford & Wrekin Council bosses today said it was not a blanket policy covering the park but anyone seen acting suspiciously would be quizzed.

Civil rights campaign group Liberty has joined a growing tide of protest.

The row erupted after the Shropshire Star exclusively revealed yesterday how council staff on the lookout for paedophiles had been ordered to stop any adults found in the park without a child and ask what they were doing there.

It was revealed by Telford & Wrekin's sports and recreation manager David Ottley after two environmental campaigners were ejected because they had not given prior notice and so not been able to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Liberty's legal officer Anna Fairclough said: "Of course children should be protected, but the council must make perfectly clear what rules apply."

Ron Odunayia, Telford & Wrekin's director of community services, said: "If someone is acting in a suspicious manner or acting in an inappropriate way then, of course, our staff reserve the right to asks questions.

"There is absolutely no suggestion whatsoever that people are routinely approached by our staff for no apparent reason."