I had a mastectomy 3 years ago followed by a further 5 surgeries which has left with post surgery pain I am unable to wear a proteisis and tend to wear baggy clothing. The only place I feel free to be myself and wear what I want is in my garden my neighbour has now had cctv fitted which films into my garden I feel I have had my last bastion of freedom taken away and am devastated. My neighbour is not the type of person I can discuss my feelings with and I would appreciate any suggestions in how to resolve this
Hi Floodgate,
I totally understand what you mean re privacy at times post surgery (having spent nearly 4 years at various states of wonkyness, while allergic to prosthesis, initially semi overcome by wearing very loose tops, eventually overcome by reducing the larger side down to about the size of the cancer side). I also understand and appreciate that you don’t feel comfortable discussing such matters with your neighbour.
Given it will soon be spring, what about getting a card, and writing a brief friendly toned note to your neighbour, maybe saying something like, hi, I understand you have concerns about security and hence your cctv at the back of the house. I really value my privacy in my rear garden and wondered if you could reorientate your cctv camera away from my rear garden, or put a visor or screen up on the side of the camera to reduce any overlooking into my garden.
Thank you xxxxx x
If they reply, but say no, you could consider another card, saying you feel your request is reasonable, and that your privacy is particularly important to you for personal reasons. Or the shock treatment, I’ve had breast cancer and really don’t want to be picked up on your camera when I am in my own back garden.
You never know, they may be more open to adjusting it than you think. Failing that you could ask the advice of the police, re how much overlooking is or isn’t reasonable…there is a whole load of stuff on the internet about how anyone putting cctv camera up overlooking others spaces should adhere to data protection legislation etc…though can see you don’t want to go hardball since it may just damage relations and not help at all. Though keep photocopies of the cards just in case your feelings about addressing the issue get even stronger with time.
Depending on where the camera is mounted, and how long you plan on staying in your home, could planting a fast growing springy shrub which will screen over the top of a fence, or a small fast growing tree (like a silver birch) help re future privacy in your garden?
Hope it gets sorted.
Seabreeze