Council axes video intercom services

22 Jan 2010

A Birmingham councillor has hit out at the "ridiculous" decision to remove intercom security cameras from residential blocks in order to fall in line with Government regulations.

Councillor Mike Leddy said the decision to get rid of the cameras, which allow residents in five tower blocks in the Druids Heath area to see who is calling before letting them enter the building, was putting vulnerable residents at risk in order to protect human rights.

Birmingham City Council said it had received legal advice over the decision which apparently breaches the Data Protection Act by recording images without prior permission.

Cllr Leddy said: "It's ridiculous that the council has decided they are going to pull the plug on it.

"It puts at risk the 'feel-safe' factor for a number of older residents in my ward - our residents should feel safe and secure in their homes and this is an aid to that."

However, the city's cabinet member for housing, John Lines, said his hands were tied over the decision and that the council would face prosecution if their arrangements did not adhere to Government regulations.