FYLDE parents could be forced to sign a declaration before taking pictures of their own children at local leisure centres - and councillors are to even consider banning photography completely.

Fylde Borough Councillors were due to meet on Wednesday (March 12) to discuss the controversial issue of photographs at sports halls and swimming pools.

Leading councillors say a complete ban is unlikely to be approved, but one option for the leisure and recreation policy committee may introduce stringent rules drawn up by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) in a bid to prevent pictures being misused by paedophiles.

That would mean anyone wanting to take photographs would have to give their name and address, the reason the photo was being taken and sign a declaration that it would be used only for the stated purpose.

Details of each photographer would be recorded and anyone using cameras or mobile phones with picture capabilities without permission could be ordered to leave the building.

The proposal drew mixed reactions from parents taking their children swimming at St Annes pool on Monday night.

"I would have though there were other situations in which children are going to be photographed which could be more damaging," said one dad.

"I don't think you can actually ever stop photos of children falling into the wrong hands no matter what you do," agreed a mum-of-three, accusing the council of "going over the top".

But one couple with a young family said they would 'find no hardship in filling out a form'.

And another concerned mum, with two school age children, said: "I don't think the council are over-reacting. You don't know who's out there and it would protect my children."

Before the meeting, Cllr John Longstaff, chairman of the committee, said: "It won't be a blanket ban. What the officers are asking is for approval to go away and research policies to deal with our situation at Fylde.

"It's a terrible reflection on our current climate in society. But we have got to protect everybody."

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