Rochdale man ordered to alter “intrusive” CCTV system on barbed wire poles which overlooked neighbours’ homes

A Rochdale homeowner has been ordered by a court to alter his “intrusive” CCTV cameras.

Kevin Grogan, 67, fenced in common land to the rear of his property without consulting neighbours and without consideration to their rights enshrined in deeds to use the land.

In 2021 police received complaints of an intrusive CCTV system which covered neighbouring properties and the roads around.

The camera system had been used to enforce a “land grab” of common land used by a number of properties.

 

 

The cameras consisted of ‘gimbal’ cameras, cameras mounted on barbed wire-covered poles, night vision audio recording and also audio-enabled cameras covering neighbouring properties and the public road.

Owing to an increase in reports of crime and disorder in the area, Mr Grogan was served with an order by police in March 2021 to remove the intrusive system and return the common ground to its previous state.

Mr Grogan chose to appeal the order and this was heard at Manchester City Magistrates Court on 13 May.

The community protection order was modified, and Mr Grogan chose to appeal the result of the appeal.

On 23 August, the Manchester Civil Justice Centre deemed the application to appeal the appeal was “without merit.”

 

 

The modified order requires Mr Grogan to ensure any gate, fencing or barrier at the alley is unlocked at all times and capable of opening without obstruction, whilst all cameras must only capture images within the boundary of his house.

The cameras must not be tall enough to see into his neighbours’ properties or public areas, and the audio recording facilities must only be activated when alerted to a trespasser.

The barbed wire must not be visible to anyone other than Mr Grogan and those lawfully on his property.