A council has decided not to install CCTV cameras in a crime-ridden area on the grounds they would "contravene the Human Rights Act".

Over the past year, anti-social behaviour has soared in the South Hams area of south Devon. But the local authority claims that the cameras would breach people's right to a "private life".

The council's stand comes amid a number of complaints by residents in Dartmouth, Devon, about the rise in anti-social behaviour such as drunkenness and vandalism.

(Article continues below)

The council yesterday revealed it would prefer to tackle the problem by improving lighting and visibility in the problematic areas.

It claims to have been told that CCTV would be an infringement of the Human Rights Act - stating that every member of the public has "a right to respect for their private and family life".

Full article here.