'Talking' CCTV scheme expanding

"Talking" CCTV cameras that tell off people dropping litter or committing anti-social behaviour are to be installed in 20 areas across England.

They are already used in Middlesbrough where anyone seen misbehaving can be told via a loudspeaker, controlled by control centre staff, to stop.

Home Secretary John Reid has earmarked nearly £500,000 to fund the expansion.

Critics say the cameras are absurd and another example of excessive government intrusion into everyday life.

Mr Reid said they were aimed at "the small minority" who "litter our streets, vandalise our communities and damage our properties".