Mister Poll: Telford Town Park controversy

This relates to a story that has recently featured in the British media, and which I feel raises some serious questions about what sort of society we live in. Questions 3-6 are optional.

1. Telford, England, UK - Two environmental campaigners dressed as penguins were in the Town Park handing out leaflets on climate change. They were ordered to leave the park by Council officials for leafleting without prior permission. Telford Council claimed that the campaigners first needed to undergo checks by the Criminal Records Bureau and have a Risk Assessment done, which they claimed was a requirement under the Child Protection Act. A spokesman from the Home Office later denied that this was the case. What do you think of this?

It's an outrageous misuse of governmental power. This has nothing to do with "safety" - they're just using a transparently false, legal-sounding argument to prevent people exercising freedom of speech. Anyway, the park's a public place, so why should people need any sort of advance notice to hand out leaflets?

This shows how ridiculous and out of control health and safety culture has become.

Parks are dangerous places, and you can get some nasty paper cuts from leaflets. I think the risk assessment was justified, although the CRB check seems over the top.

Both precautions are entirely justified. If there's any chance they could come into contact with children, we need to make sure they don't pose a threat.

2. Some concerned citizens later wrote to the Council asking them to justify their stance on leafleting. The Council's response made some surprising revelations. It stated that "in areas where children or more vulnerable groups gather, such as play facilities and the entrances to play areas" park wardens were authorised to approach any lone adult (not accompanied by a child) and request the reason for them being there. (It was not made clear what would happen next if the answer given was not satisfactory, but the implication was that they could be asked to leave.) After the story broke, a Council spokesman explained that only adults "acting suspiciously or inappropriately" would be approached. Do you approve of this policy?

What is this, England or North Korea? I'm a citizen, not a suspect! If I'm in a public place minding my own business, I should not be forced to account for myself. Anyway, the only person who has the right to stop and question me is a police officer. This is tantamount to giving police powers to a civilian official.

This sort of measure contributes to a fear-oriented society. It encourages children and parents alike to see every stranger as a threat.

It seems over the top, but I guess law-abiding people have nothing to worry about.

It seems a good idea in principle. It might even make people feel safer, as long as there are clear guidelines on what sort of behaviour is "suspicious".

This initiative should be supported by all right-minded people. Anything we can do to protect our kids against sexual predators is worthwhile, and if it makes some people feel less free, that's just too bad.

3. Looking at the examples above, what do you think it says about the state of British society?

It shows we're becoming a more fear-oriented society.

It shows we're becoming a more authoritarian society.

It shows we're achieving the right balance between individual freedom and public safety.

It shows that people need to be better educated about what their rights are.

It shows the growing influence of the "nanny state" mentality.

Other

4. Do you think there is any similarity between the park restrictions I've outlined above, and the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)?

Yes. They are both a progressive measure designed to protect the public and especially vulnerable groups.

Yes. They both rely on the principle that in some circumstances it is okay to penalise non-criminal behaviour or behaviour that is not inherently harmful or dangerous. Once the principle is accepted, you don't know who it's going to be used against next.

No. I support the use of ASBOs, I don't support measures that interfere with normal activities for the general public.

Are you kidding? Everyone knows that ASBOs are only used against chavs, juvenile delinquents and other trash, not hard-working citizens who pay their taxes!

5. If you think the UK is becoming a more fear-oriented society, what do you think the main reasons are?

Excessive and sensationalist reporting of crime in the media.

Loss of community spirit and neighbourhood cohesion.

Rising crime levels.

Ineffective policing.

Ineffective sentencing.

A general feeling of having less control over our lives.

Other.

Don't know.

6. For UK residents only: In general, do you think we are becoming more free, less free, or about the same?

Less, but it doesn't bother me

Less, and it does bother me

Same

This poll was created on 2008-09-12 19:43:06 by Highnlonesome

Telford Town Park controversy - have your say