EXCLUSIVE I was horrified to find I was being filmed by a CCTV camera while on the loo in a womens public toilets... but the council WONT take it down

A woman has vowed never to use a public toilet again after spotting a CCTV camera above her cubicle while sitting on the loo.

Anna, 49, suffers from an overactive bladder since having children and relies on the public toilets in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, while out and about.

However, during her last visit she was horrified to discover a camera above her head as she used the end cubicle of the women-only toilet block. 

Derbyshire Dales District Council said the CCTV camera was installed to combat vandalism - insisting the footage only shows women from the waist upwards.

But Anna said she felt shocked and violated and believes the cameras positioning means it could possibly capture more than just the upper half of the cubicle. 

Speaking to MailOnline, she said: Its just a violation of privacy in my eyes.

Weve got CCTV at home. You do get an idea of the scope of the camera.

I can just remember looking up and I thought "oh my god I just dont believe that". Basically, I just couldnt get out of there quick enough.

A woman discovered a CCTV camera while using a womens public toilet block in Ashbourne

Anna said she felt shocked and violated and believes the cameras positioning means it could possibly capture more than just the upper half of the end cubicle

Anna said she finds the presence of the camera disturbing as women are left unsure of who is looking at the footage. 

With social media and phones and stuff, if somebody has got a recording of you, you just dont know where its going to end up, she said.

If they actually are filming ladies, could it just be one person whos looking at it or could they be sharing with other people? You just dont know.

I could imagine [for] young girls, it must make them feel very on edge.

In addition, Anna said she feels angry about the charge women now have to pay to access the public toilet, which the council confirmed is currently 20p.

When the public charge came in I was really annoyed, because thats another thing, I dont think you should have to pay to use a public toilet, she said.

For me, that brings a little bit of anxiety in, because obviously if that barrier isnt working and I cant get into the toilet and I need to go, then I get a bit frantic because Ive got to go and find somewhere else.

I think the camera though is just the icing on the cake to be honest.

I said to my husband when I came out, [...] its just totally put me off going.

Anna found the CCTV camera inside the womens toilet facility in Derbyshire 

A sign on the toilet door says the CCTV camera is in place to combat increased vandalism 

When approached by MailOnline this week, Derbyshire Dales District Council confirmed the camera remains in place to combat an increasing level of vandalism, despite recent calls to have it removed.

Leader of the Conservative group at the council, Susan Hobson, said she felt uncomfortable by the presence of the camera. 

You can actually see in the toilet door. I think that makes me feel a bit uncomfortable, she said. 

Footage obtained by the BBC this month showed visibility in the one cubicle from the waist upwards. 

A council spokesperson said: As confirmed by a BBC investigation, no-ones privacy is compromised by the CCTV cameras. The top of the investigating reporters head was visible at the inner door to one of the cubicles when she pressed up against it - but CCTV photos prove the toilet area is not on view at all.

The cameras were originally sited at the Ashbourne public loos on police advice to combat an increasing amount of vandalism, the cost of which was being borne by local Council Tax payers. The good news is that there has been a marked reduction in damage at that site.

We would add that all of our CCTV cameras are independently audited as a matter of course. The next audit happens in May.

Anna relies on the female public toilets in Ashbourne while out and about during the day 

Anna said she finds the presence of the camera disturbing as women are left unsure of who is looking at the footage

In January, a female fan hit out at a Football League club for having a CCTV camera installed above the womens toilets in their stadium.

The Birmingham City supporter travelled down to Swindon to watch the Blues play at the County Ground in the Football League Trophy.

Birmingham picked up a 2-1 win, but it was not a completely happy night for the visitors after one of their fans caught a glimpse of a CCTV camera while using the restroom.

Taking to X she wrote alongside a picture of the camera: Sat on the toilet at Swindon away and notice a CCTV camera right above me.

The post was viewed millions of times after going viral, leading to Swindon issuing a response.

Vicki Eyles, Swindon Towns fan engagement officer, said: Sorry for the inconvenience, I am more than happy to contact you in more detail but please be assured this has been run past the EFL and there is digital blur for the toilets, it is for the use of the concourse.