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A woman has vowed never to use a public toilet again after spotting a CCTV camera above her cubicle while sitting on the loo.
Anna, 49, suffers from an overactive bladder since having children and relies on the public toilets in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, while out and about.
However, during her last visit she was horrified to discover a camera above her head as she used the end cubicle of the women-only toilet block.
Derbyshire Dales District Council said the CCTV camera was installed to combat vandalism – insisting the footage only shows women from the waist upwards.
But Anna said she felt ‘shocked’ and ‘violated’ and believes the camera’s positioning means it could possibly capture more than just the upper half of the cubicle.
Speaking to MailOnline, she said: ‘It’s just a violation of privacy in my eyes.
‘We’ve got CCTV at home. You do get an idea of the scope of the camera.
‘I can just remember looking up and I thought “oh my god I just don’t believe that”. Basically, I just couldn’t get out of there quick enough.’
A woman discovered a CCTV camera while using a women’s public toilet block in Ashbourne
Anna said she felt ‘shocked’ and ‘violated’ and believes the camera’s positioning means it could possibly capture more than just the upper half of the end cubicle
Anna said she finds the presence of the camera disturbing as women are left unsure of who is looking at the footage.
‘With social media and phones and stuff, if somebody has got a recording of you, you just don’t know where it’s going to end up,’ she said.
‘If they actually are filming ladies, could it just be one person who’s looking at it or could they be sharing with other people? You just don’t know.
‘I could imagine [for] young girls, it must make them feel very on edge.’
In addition, Anna said she feels angry about the charge women now have to pay to access the public toilet, which the council confirmed is currently 20p.
‘When the public charge came in I was really annoyed, because that’s another thing, I don’t think you should have to pay to use a public toilet,’ she said.
‘For me, that brings a little bit of anxiety in, because obviously if that barrier isn’t working and I can’t get into the toilet and I need to go, then I get a bit frantic because I’ve got to go and find somewhere else.
‘I think the camera though is just the icing on the cake to be honest.
‘I said to my husband when I came out, […] it’s just totally put me off going.’
Anna found the CCTV camera inside the women’s toilet facility in Derbyshire
A sign on the toilet door says the CCTV camera is in place to combat increased vandalism
When approached by MailOnline this week, Derbyshire Dales District Council confirmed the camera remains in place to combat an increasing level of vandalism, despite recent calls to have it removed.
Leader of the Conservative group at the council, Susan Hobson, said she felt ‘uncomfortable’ by the presence of the camera.
‘You can actually see in the toilet door. I think that makes me feel a bit uncomfortable,’ she said.
Footage obtained by the BBC this month showed visibility in the one cubicle from the waist upwards.
A council spokesperson said: ‘As confirmed by a BBC investigation, no-one’s privacy is compromised by the CCTV cameras. The top of the investigating reporter’s head was visible at the inner door to one of the cubicles when she pressed up against it – but CCTV photos prove the toilet area is not on view at all.
‘The cameras were originally sited at the Ashbourne public loos on police advice to combat an increasing amount of vandalism, the cost of which was being borne by local Council Tax payers. The good news is that there has been a marked reduction in damage at that site.
‘We would add that all of our CCTV cameras are independently audited as a matter of course. The next audit happens in May.’
Anna relies on the female public toilets in Ashbourne while out and about during the day
Anna said she finds the presence of the camera disturbing as women are left unsure of who is looking at the footage
In January, a female fan hit out at a Football League club for having a CCTV camera installed above the women’s toilets in their stadium.
The Birmingham City supporter travelled down to Swindon to watch the Blues play at the County Ground in the Football League Trophy.
Birmingham picked up a 2-1 win, but it was not a completely happy night for the visitors after one of their fans caught a glimpse of a CCTV camera while using the restroom.
Taking to X she wrote alongside a picture of the camera: ‘Sat on the toilet at Swindon away and notice a CCTV camera right above me.’
The post was viewed millions of times after going viral, leading to Swindon issuing a response.
Vicki Eyles, Swindon Town’s fan engagement officer, said: ‘Sorry for the inconvenience, I am more than happy to contact you in more detail but please be assured this has been run past the EFL and there is digital blur for the toilets, it is for the use of the concourse.’