Protest at council's 'strict' park policy

Duncan Ball, Pat McCarthy, Carol Drewry and, front, Neil Donaldson, Rachel Whittaker and Roy Breeze are seen in Telford Town Park.

Campaigners today staged a rally to protest about Telford & Wrekin Council's allegedly heavy-handed restrictions on the use of the town park.

Placard-waving demonstrators descended on the arena in Telford Town Park calling for the borough authority to be "honest and open". It follows rows over the use of the town park and claims that council workers are being over-zealous.

See our photo gallery below

Environmental campaigners Rachel Whittaker and Neil Donaldson were thrown out of the park last month after dressing as penguins to hand out climate change leaflets.

They were told they should have got Criminal Records Bureau checks and risk assessments.

The council came under fire again this week after its sports and recreation manager, David Ottley, issued a letter stating childless adults could be stopped by wardens and asked to explain why they were in the park.

On Wednesday, Telford & Wrekin Council leader Andrew Eade apologised for the "incorrect" statement in the letter, stressing there was no question of adults being stopped in this way.

Father-of-four Stuart Parr, 30, of Brookside, said at today's rally: "The council needs to figure out what it can and cannot do. They can't force people to have Criminal Records Bureau checks if they want to hand out leaflets."

Rachel Whittaker, 34, of Wellington, said: "We think the council has behaved so badly. Okay, they've apologised for the information that was put out regarding lone adults in the park but we want to show the council that they can't suppress people's right to free speech."

Neil Donaldson, of Aqueduct, said: "It's an open public space that we should all be able to use."

Duncan Ball, 62, of Leegomery, added: "My concern is freedom to distribute leaflets and to express an opinion.

"The council doesn't seem to want that to happen on their property."

John Franklyn, of Telford and Wrekin Council Watch, who organised today's rally, said: "The manner of the campaign has changed slightly since Councillor Andrew Eade offered his apology.

"Now it's very much calling for the open and honest council that we've been continually promised."

Ron Odunaiya, the council's director of community services, has promised a review of the situation.

By Lizzie Yates

John Franklyn, of Telford and Wrekin Council Watch, organised today's rally.

John Franklyn talks with other protesters.

John Evans, John Franklyn and front, Duane Atkins and Sean Donaldson.