Use of CCTV in toilets at Shropshire schools defended
Three schools in Shropshire today defended their use of CCTV cameras to monitor toilets and changing rooms, in light of a national watchdog's report.
Belvidere School in Shrewsbury, Ludlow CE School and the Lord Silkin School in Telford are among 200 schools nationally with cameras in toilets and changing rooms, says campaign group Big Brother Watch.
But the use of cameras has been defended by county education authorities.
A spokesman for Shropshire Council said: "CCTV systems are a matter for individual schools, but any cameras are there to protect students, staff and other school users."
Belvidere headteacher Pete Johnston added: "Any cameras in toilets are there to monitor the wash basin area and the actual toilet areas are masked from view. There is no live surveillance via CCTV at any time.
"Only specific incidents requiring investigation are viewed."
A Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman said: "The Lord Silkin School is a fairly old site with a lot of blind spots, and cameras were installed more than 10 years ago with the sole aim of safeguarding pupils.
"We feel Big Brother Watch have got their priorities wrong. Statistics relating to how many pupils per camera are completely irrelevant compared with the safety of children.
"The cameras which are in toilets are focussed purely on the wash basin areas."
Ludlow CE School was unavailable for comment.
