A SCHOOL has defended a controversial move to install CCTV cameras in the pupils' toilets.

The Bolton Evening News revealed on Thursday how parents of youngsters at Westhoughton High were outraged by the scheme, which they said could easily be abused.

But the head of the Bolton Road school, Brendan Loughran, stood by the move, saying it was necessary for the safety of the children and had the backing of the Student Council body.

He said: "The purpose of the CCTV in general is for crime prevention and public safety. We have relatively few incidents that would give cause for concern, but the cameras will discourage any activity that should not take place.

"The school takes a very strong stance against bullying or damage to school property. The Student Council offered the suggestion that extending CCTV coverage to the entrances to toilets would make students feel more secure and contribute to their health and well-being.

"The majority of students have been in favour of the initiative."

The school has had security cameras in the main entrances, car parks and corridors since the mid-1990s. It was decided to extend the equipment to cover the newly refurbished toilet area over the summer break to maintain the "pleasant environment".

But parents claim it is an "invasion of privacy" and has led to girls feeling uncomfortable using the toilets.

They have now sent a 80-name petition to education minister and Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly calling for their immediate removal.

But Mr Loughran said the scheme was not open to abuse and that the school had contacted the relevant agencies to ensure it was acting within the law by having cameras in the toilet area.

He said: "It is important to recognise that parents have also contacted us in support of the CCTV monitoring. We have only had a small number of concerns expressed to us.

"All that is recorded is who enters and leaves the area and the time they do this. In the rare likelihood of an issue arising, the CCTV will help us resolve the matter with those concerned."

He added that the monitoring equipment is in a secure area with access controlled by the site supervisor.