Life in Modern Britain: Charity Duck Edition – Spectator Blogs

A typical tale of nitwittery from modern Britain. And this, of course, is one of the problems with localism: it means giving more power to local councillors. That’s still, on balance, a risk worth taking even though so many of them seem so utterly devoid of common sense.

Quackers council chiefs have banned a bow tie-wearing duck from collecting cash for charity – unless it gets a permit.

The bird – called Star – wears a dickie bow and waddles alongside his owner Barrie Hayman raising money for sick youngsters.

Star and Barrie regularly visit businesses collecting cash from the public – already raising £6,500 for a children’s hospice.But Mr Hayman has now been told by several councils that his sidekick could be deemed ‘irritating’ and needs a permit.

Mr Hayman […] now has to apply 28 days in advance for a single day’s permit – meaning he would only be allowed to collect on one day each month.