Concerned residents in Burnham-On-Sea have this week expressed fears that a new CCTV camera that is due to be switched on over the next few days will affect their privacy.
The new 30ft camera has been installed outside the entrance to Apex Park in Marine Drive and is set to help Burnham police monitor traffic and activities in the busy car park.
However, residents living around the camera have told Burnham-On-Sea.com they are concerned that the ‘Big Brother’ device will be able to look into their homes.
One resident, Keith Hinton, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There is a lot of concern that the camera will be able to look into our gardens and homes, affecting our privacy.”
“The camera has a very high vantage point and will be able to move around to monitor activities in the area – including our homes.”
He says that residents’ attempts to discuss the matter with the district council, who will be operating it with local police, have not been successful.
“When I recently discussed my matter with the council, they didn’t take our concerns seriously and suggested we should put up net curtains, which is not an option.”
“Many of us don’t understand why a camera is needed here given that the seriousness of the problems along Marine Drive have now largely gone.”
Inspector Roger Tolley of Burnham Police has assured residents that their privacy will be respected.
“The CCTV camera will not be used at any time to look into nearby homes – they have my guarantee on that,” he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“The camera will be used to watch Marine Drive and the Apex car park – nothing else.”
