NEW rules covering town centre spy cameras mean Bolton shoppers can rest assured they will not find themselves unwittingly starring in TV shows.

Bolton has drawn up strict guidelines about how film obtained from the close circuit TV cameras in town centre streets and car parks can be used.

The new rules mean Bolton will not be following the example of other towns which have handed over their footage to the growing number of programme makers using real life 999 dramas for their shows.

The TV trend has alarmed civil liberties campaigners and the public was recently outraged when a video went on sale featuring unsuspecting couples caught on camera having sex in shop doorways.

Now Bolton has drawn up a lengthy draft code of practice to safeguard the public from abuses of the system.

The new rules, drawn up by a working party dominated by police and council officers, will include a ban on allowing TV makers to use any clips filmed in Bolton for entertainment purposes.

The code was drawn up as the use of CCTV in Bolton is set to grow with retailers aiming to raise money to put more cameras on town centre streets and the council bidding for government cash to site them on schools, housing estates and car parks.

The public will be able to see the draft code after it goes to councillors next month and it will be closely monitored during a year-long trial period.

A spokesman said: "The group has spoken to bodies such as the Licensees Alliance and Crimebusters before finalising the draft code of practice.

"There has also been a lawyer and trading standards officer involved to challenge all aspects and ensure peoples' rights are protected.

"The draft document is quite specific. For instance, it states that the films are kept in locked cupboards.

"It will be monitored during the first year of operation to find out any difficulties before the final version is drawn up next March."

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