Empty paddling pool photos deemed a paedophile threat

An amateur photographer was told she could not take snaps of an empty paddling pool because she might be a paedophile.

Betty Robinson was ordered to put away her camera by a council worker when she began snapping the outdoor pool.

'It's absolutely ridiculous – it's bureaucracy gone mad,' said the 82-year-old widow from Southampton.



She was with friend Brenda Bennett as she took pictures of the city's common – where the pool is situated.

'We're a couple of old ladies. We're certainly not paedophiles,' she added.

Southampton City Council apologised but said: 'It is appropriate that our staff are aware of who is taking photos.'