Villagers' fury at Google's 'invasion of privacy'

It may seem strange that residents are angry that their picturesque village has been photographed.

But those living in Broughton Village are upset because the shots taken of their homes yesterday (Wednesday) will be published worldwide.

It is all part of Google's controversial Street View UK website, and their quest to publish panoramic pictures of every place in the country.

Last month 25 cities were added to the online database.

One of the company's cars, which has cameras attached to its roof, pulled up in London Road at around 9.30am and started taking pictures of Paul Jacobs' home. His immediate concern was security.

"We've had three burglaries here in the last 12 weeks. I don't mind estate agents taking pictures, but this thing is a burglar's dream. It shows people how to get in and how to get out. We don't want the area publicised in that manner."

His neighbour John Holmes said: "It's an invasion of our privacy. They should have asked our permission."

Another resident added: "I don't understand it. If people are trying to get to places of interest and landmarks then it may be useful, but not in our residential street."

A spokesman for Google said that taking pictures of the dead end road is necessary.

"We aim to get as much as possible of the public streets in Milton Keynes to make the tool useful for residents. People find it useful if they are moving house, for directions or for tourism."

He could not say how many locations have been photographed, or when the city will appear online.

All faces and number plates are blacked out but if people want to have their home removed they have to contact Google retrospectively.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "A police car was sent to Broughton at 10.20am on Wednesday to reports of a dispute between a crowd of people and a Google Street View contractor.

"A member of the public had called us to report that he, along with a number of others, were standing in the middle of the road preventing the car from moving forwards and taking photographs.

"They felt his presence was an intrusion of their privacy.

"When police arrived at the scene, the car had moved on."

Have you seen the Google car photographing Milton Keynes? Let us know how you feel about it by contacting the newsdesk on 01908 689595 or emailing jessica.cunniffe@mk-news.co.uk