TEENAGE girls claim their privacy is being invaded by closed circuit television cameras fitted in college toilets.

When students returned to the East Brighton College of Media Arts after half-term they discovered cameras had been installed in both the girls' and boys'

toilets.

Hayley Piper, 14, and her friends are now refusing to go to the toilet during school hours and are keeping their legs crossed until home time.

The teenagers say they have protested to teachers and will plan a demonstration if the cameras are not removed immediately.

Hayley, of Newick Road, Moulsecoomb, said: "I didn't go to the loo all day. It's a horrible thought that someone might be watching us in the toilets.

"All the girls think it is disgraceful. We first spotted them when we returned after the half-term break and went to go to the loo but saw the camera above the sinks."

Friend Michelle Barnes, 15, of Norwich Drive, Bevendean, said: "We don't know where the camera is linked to so we don't know who is watching.

"We've spoken to the boys as well but they don't seem too bothered about it.

"We think they've been put up to stop kids smoking and stop graffiti on the walls but they are an invasion of our privacy."

Principal Tony Garwood said: "When the cameras were installed it was ensured people's privacy was maintained and the cameras' focus was on the circulation area of the toilets. You can't see into the cubicles with them.

"Girls' toilets can be a worrying place. Older girls tend to take possession of the toilets as a meeting place and despite staff visits they cannot be monitored continuously.

"I can now assure all parents that at any time of the day the toilets will be a reasonable environment and there won't be any smoking in the toilets.

"The focus of the camera lens cannot be altered and the monitor is in the main school office."

The new college in Wilson Avenue, Brighton, opened at the start of term and has replaced the former Marina High School under

a "fresh start" plan to raise standards.

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