TEIGNMOUTH Town Council has responded to a raft of complaints about controversial CCTV cameras in the town’s new public toilets.

Complaints flooded in after it was discovered CCTV cameras can record inside the cubicles.

But the council says the new measures have been introduced as a way to target repeated vandalism and damage in public toilets.

Cameras are positioned in the communal corridor areas outside the cubicles.

A camera may only capture part of the inside of a cubicle when the door is open, such as during cleaning or if vandalism has occurred.

When the cubicle door is closed, the camera cannot view inside.

But there has been angry response from many parents who leave doors open while their children use the toilets.

The council insists any footage is only reviewed by authorised staff and is automatically deleted after 30 days unless it is required to support an investigation or evidential process.

Access to footage is strictly limited to a small number of authorised staff, and only where necessary and all these staff have an enhanced DBS check and police clearance.

A spokesman said: ‘Teignmouth Town Council understands that the introduction of CCTV in our new toilet blocks has raised concerns for some residents and visitors.

‘We recognise toilets are places where people expect dignity, privacy and reassurance and we understand why people have asked questions about how this system works.

‘We want to be clear that protecting people's privacy has been a central consideration at all times.

‘The cameras have been installed to help protect these important community facilities so they can remain open, clean and safe for everyone who relies on them.’

The council says it has had to deal with vandalism and damage in public toilets ‘over a long period creating disruption for users and significant costs for the town’.

The new measures have been introduced in response to those challenges, while seeking to maintain privacy and public confidence.’

In accessible toilets, the CCTV camera is designed to rotate towards the wall when the door is closed so that it does not face into the cubicle while it is in use.

Footage is not subject to routine or continuous monitoring.

It is only reviewed when there is a specific reason to do so, such as a report of vandalism, serious misuse, or another incident requiring investigation.

The council spokesman continued: ‘A full Data Protection Impact Assessment was completed before the cameras were installation, in compliance with data protection law and best practice.

‘Teignmouth Town Council understands that privacy remains a top concern.

‘Please be assured that the purpose of this system is to deter damage, protect these facilities and help keep them in good condition for the people who use them.

'These modern toilet designs are a first for Teignmouth Town Council, reflecting our commitment to improving facilities for all.

‘As this is a new approach for us, we welcome feedback from the public and are continuing to review how the facilities operate in practice.

‘Your input is valuable as we work to make sure these facilities meet the needs of our community.

‘Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.’

Concerns or confidential queries can be sent to [email protected].