Heather Lewis says she is unhappy about the camera

Ron and Margaret Varney have installed a camera and microphone on top of a 12-feet pole in their back garden in Edlesborough.

But Heather Lewis and her husband, Anthony, who live next door in Chiltern Avenue, are unhappy about the installation.

Police say they cannot act because no offence is being committed.

Mrs Lewis said: "It's a horrible feeling.

"Wherever you go at the back of the house you can see the camera.

"I don't think anybody in this day and age should go through this."

The Varneys' equipment is upsetting the other neighbours too.

Pensioner Arthur Brooks said his wife refused to be in their house on her own and was so fed up she had left the village to get away from the cameras.

Anyone can install a camera and point it into neighbour's property

Mrs Lewis has contacted the police who say no criminal offence has been committed.

Anyone can set up similar equipment and aim it directly into their neighbours' homes.

A spokesman for the charity Liberty, which campaigns on human rights issues, said if the camera had been used to film any neighbours, they were entitled to see the images under the Data Protection Act.

Nuisance claim

He said: "They could also consider a civil claim for nuisance or see a solicitor to take out an in injunction to stop their neighbours.

"They could also check with the council if any planning regulations have been breached.

"Planning permission may be needed for the camera," he said.

Mr Varney said the matter was in the hands of solicitors.