You often hear conservatives complaining about "big government," but for those who are less politically-versed, the phrase seems to be too vague and intangible to have any real impact.

Well, here is an example of what the slippery slope of big government can lead to:

Parents are being banned from playing with their children in council recreation areas because they have not been vetted by police.

Mothers and fathers are being forced to watch their children from outside perimeter fences because of fears they could be paedophiles.

Watford Council was branded a 'disgrace' yesterday after excluding parents from two fenced-off adventure playgrounds unless they first undergo criminal record checks.

Children as young as five will instead be supervised by council 'play rangers' who have been cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau.