AN ELDERLY couple who installed CCTV outside their Southampton home in a bid to stop antisocial behaviour were ordered to take it down because it contravened neighbours human rights.

Olive and Eric Mackness, were stunned to receive a letter from Southampton City Council warning them their CCTV was illegal because it invaded other residents privacy, and ordered them to remove it.

However, the council has reversed its decision and allowed the couple to keep the camera, following a thorough examination of the camera site prompted by the Daily Echo.

Council bosses said they ordered the removal because of fears the camera was pointing into other people's properties.

Engineers have now examined the camera and given it the green light to stay agreeing the £34 CCTV system did not actually break any of their neighbours' human rights.

A spokesman said: "The council had a complaint about the camera and the possibility of it looking into neighbours property.

"However, following an investigation the camera was found not to be invading anyone else's privacy, and because it adds to the security of the building, the council have said its OK for it to stay."

Mrs Mackness said that she was shocked when she got the letter from the council, who she had thought would be in favour of their plans, but was delighted at the U-turn.

"It is funny how as soon as the Daily Echo gets involved, the council come straight round and agree we can keep it."

The camera was put up to overlook the entrance to the Redbridge Hill block of flats to monitor who was trying to get in, and if they were causing problems.

Mrs Mackness, a great grandmother of two, added: "We are both in our 70s and we need to feel secure and know who is coming in here.

"The camera lets us see who's outside and who's causing trouble, and it acts as a deterrent to troublemakers who realise their actions are being recorded."

Marcus Rice, who lives in the flat above, said he thought the camera was a good idea and that everyone living in the block should have one.

"We get a lot of yobs hanging around - there will be weeks when there's nothing then other weeks it's mayhem," he said.