Freedom to take photographs in public parks, gardens and on beaches around the UK is under threat from a new government-backed scheme to crackdown on paedophiles.
Photographers nationwide may soon risk being grilled about their motives as part of a new ?multi-agency? scheme called Leisurewatch which involves police, councils and child protection bodies.
Leisurewatch staff are being trained to spot ?inappropriate? behaviour which may include photographers taking pictures that feature children.
Funded by the Home Office the project is being expanded across the country after being piloted at 65 leisure centres in Northumbria since 2001 with the backing of Northumbria Police.
Crucially, it will not just operate in leisure centres but has the potential to be used in council-run parks and gardens and other recreational areas including beaches, seafronts and piers.
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