Putting CCTV inside gym toilets to combat vandalism has been branded "absolutely ridiculous".

Kari Shah, 42, who lives in North Watford, said he first noticed the camera in the men's toilets when he went for a session at Pump Gym, in Tolpits Lane, on March 16.

A spokesperson for the gym said it is not monitored but was needed due to recent vandalism on the site.  

Mr Shah said: “Prisoners have more privacy than we do. It is absolutely ridiculous because there are no reasons for cameras inside there.”

He added that the camera makes him feel “unsafe” and that his privacy was being “invaded”.

In a video taken by Mr Shah, seen by the Watford Observer, the camera has been placed on the ceiling above the toilet entrance door.

Mr Shah said he is now considering leaving due to the CCTV, and also hit out at its facilities.

He said: “There is hardly any tissue paper in the toilets and the toilets barely work, although they are still the best thing about the place because the machines hardly work either.”

Watford Observer: Mr Shah said the equipment (left) is not always working and the toilets (right) are not always available to use.Mr Shah said the equipment (left) is not always working and the toilets (right) are not always available to use. (Image: Kari Shah)

A spokesperson for Pump Gym said: “Unfortunately, we have been the victims of vandalism and theft in our Watford site which has cost us thousands of pounds to repair, this has led the owner to take action and protect our members by putting a camera in the toilet to find the culprits.”

They added that without the camera the individuals who committed the crime would not have been found and subsequently banned.

“These cameras are not monitored but if there is an incident, we are granted permission to look at the cameras,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added: “We pride ourselves on the cleanliness of our facilities and have extensive checklists that are maintained daily by our general manager and the cleaning team. 

“We have also recently invested over £100k on brand new hammer strength and life fitness equipment to improve our offering to the local community.”