Napo and Unison went along to the Epsom and Ewell Family Fun Day in the constituency of Chris Grayling MP.
Our aim was to simply hand out leaflets to make people aware of what the Government plans for probation.
This was not aggressive campaigning it was simple awareness raising.
Despite trying to book a pitch in advance we were told it was full.
We decided to just turn up and just four of us put up a picnic table in a public area and had balloons and leaflets to hand out to people.
We were told by the organisers that we were not allowed to do this, the reasons were not clear.
The event had numerous charities with pitches plus public services such as Sure Start, Police Ambulance Service.
Walking around we also noticed a number of spare pitches but were not allowed to use them even though we offered to pay the going rate which was for a charity.
So much for freedom to campaign, protest and to speak.
We decided not to make a noise about being rejected by the organisers, we will however be writing to them for an explanation of why we were not allowed in.
The Epsom Foodbank were there campaigning for their cause which we supported. We were not there causing any problems it was a simple case of handing out leaflets and balloons to the kids.
We will be back in Epsom another day.
Mike Rayfield; Chairman, Surrey Sussex Napo Branch
- Have you got something to say? Say it in a letter and send it to: letters@epsomguardian.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here