Express & Star

CCTV cameras installed in Black Country school's toilets to the fury of parents

CCTV has been installed in a school’s toilets to combat anti social behaviour – but the move has angered parents.

Published
Summerhill School with two of the cameras, inset

The controversial cameras have gone up in the loos at Summerhill School in Kingswinford.

Headteacher James Bowkett said the cameras were installed following ‘disappointing behaviour’, but insists ‘they are not pointed in sensitive areas’.

But parents have hit out on social media, with one saying the measure was ‘absolutely disgusting’. One person said on Facebook: “My son has come back and said he doesn’t want to go to the toilet. It’s shocking, may have problems going on in the toilets but they can’t do this surely.”

Another said: “My daughter has now said she is “holding it” and not going to the loo and she’s not the only one who has said this...I’m disgusted!”

But the school has received backing from ward councillor and Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley, who says parents complaining would also complain if nothing was being done to tackle bullying.

He said: “The school has taken steps to combat an element of bullying and anti-social-behaviour. It is extremely sad we have got to resort to this but it is a reflection of society in this day and age. I support the measures.” Another woman, in support of the school, said: “It’s merely a way of preventing bullying, abuse & vandalism.”

A camera in one of the school's toilets
A camera in one of the school's toilets
A camera in one of the school's toilets

Photographs posted online show done-shaped cameras installed over urinals.

James Bowkett, executive headteacher, said: “Following some disappointing behaviour from students, who were not maintaining our high standards of behaviour whilst in the toilet areas, we took the decision to extend the network of cameras to these areas. I must stress this it to allow us to monitor who is entering and leaving the communal areas and I can reassure parents no cameras are directed towards sensitive areas including cubicles or urinals.”