Order's impact on democracy

Shropshire County Council is consulting on the Control of Distribution of Free Literature Order, under powers granted to them under The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 to restrict and penalise the delivery of all free mail within parts of Shrewsbury by persons and by companies, unless permission is first asked of and granted by the council for delivery.

No-one is enamoured of junk mail, however, there's a bigger issue at stake here which is in danger of being overlooked and that is in the blanket ban on all persons and companies delivering free mail without first obtaining the council's permission.

It appears that in this attempt to reduce unwanted mail, the council is granting to itself sweeping powers.

If a resident disagrees with the council or wishes to bring ideas, opinions or facts on a certain issue to other residents' attention by distributing pamphlets and leaflets at his own cost, will the council readily grant permission for delivery of those censuring leaflets? I'm not so sure.

Democracy needs to be vigilant on the rules introduced to curb any actions and freedoms.

In a democracy there should be the freedom of peaceful association, freedom of speech (without incitement to violence) and the freedom for all to freely disseminate ideas. If any of these freedoms are eroded or suppressed by the council or the Government, then we do not have a true democracy.

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