Google Street View causes another stir

The roving eye of Google’s Street View camera has been out and about in Cheltenham, UK.

Residents spotted the van in the area this week, capturing images for the website’s extensive mapping programme.

The site features photographs of every street in towns which have been “mapped” by Google’s mysterious-looking cars with blacked-out windows.

People living in St Mark’s had mixed views on whether or not they were in favour of their homes, gardens – and even themselves – being caught on camera.

Jess Cave, who lives in Spenser Road, gave it the thumbs up.
She said: “I think it’s only a bit of fun so I don’t really mind. I don’t feel like I’m being spied on and I’m not bothered by it.

“I’m sure I’ll be checking it out when it goes online.”

Student Cindie Taylor, who is looking to move into the area, said it would help her to look at houses.

She said: “I love it and I’ll be checking it out when they put it up on the web.

“I’ll be able to see what places are like when I’m looking for somewhere to live.”

Pensioner Margaret Slack was also in favour. She said: “I’m not bothered at all by it. I’ve got nothing to hide so why not.”
However Cheralyn Rendall, who lives in Shakespeare Road, said: “It’s an invasion of privacy. It just seems pointless. I can’t really understand the reason behind it.

“I’ve got young kids and I wouldn’t want them to be looked at on the internet through this.”

Lucie Bennett, who also lives in Spenser Road, said: “If my daughter was out playing in the garden and it caught her on camera I wouldn’t like that.

“I think they should tell people beforehand what they’re going to do rather than just turn up when they choose.”

Pensioner Michael Poppleton said: “It’s an invasion of privacy and if they caught me on camera I’d be asking them to remove it.”
Beverley Fennel, who lives just off Shakespeare Road, agreed.

She said: “I’m not against CCTV for people’s safety but this seems like too much of an invasion of privacy.

“It’s not going to really benefit anyone, so what’s the point? People have a right to do what they want in their homes and gardens without a camera coming past and taking a picture.”

The system allows people to search for 360-degree pictures of “virtual” streets.

It’s not yet known when the coverage will be complete and available to view online.

Residents concerned over privacy can ask for their faces to be blurred out, via the Street View website.

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