Photograph ban (From Barry And District News)

Photograph ban

PAEDOPHILES preying on children in public are being targeted in a camera phone crackdown.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council brought in a ban on the use of photographic equipment and picture-messaging mobiles in Barry Leisure Centre to stop sexual predators recording images of young people.

The local authority's Cabinet has agreed that the availability and high quality of mobile phone picture recording means photographs can be developed and printed without a third party. These images can also be transmitted worldwide via the Internet in seconds.

The ban, which has been backed by councillors, means that anyone wishing to take photographs inside the centre will have to ask for written permission before hand, and records will be kept.

There are also tough guidelines for any filming or photography carried out by media or publicity agents, who will have to work under council supervision.

There will be pictorial messages informing the public they are not allowed to use cameras or camera phones in certain areas. Key members of staff will be given special training on child protection issues, and on approaching anyone ignoring the message.

Although the Cabinet agreed the ban, it was recognised at the meeting that putting it into practice will be difficult.

The Vale council's environmental and economic regeneration director Rob Quick said: "The use of mobile telephones will be far more difficult to monitor and manage. And initial step will be the restriction of use of mobile phones in any changing accommodation areas, swimming pool spectator areas and health studios."

Nicola Jones, 35, of Sherbourne Close, said: "I'm very pleased to hear a ban is being introduced on these phones. When I drop my kids off I worry constantly about them. You never know what might happen."