*Full version - with added photo evidence - on my Blog CLICK!
...Or... Why Are The CCTV Cameras Scrutinising More Closely Than My Ward Councillors?
Part One: Milking the Truth:
One Resident’s Journey Through Orange Hi-Vis Intimidation.
At approx. 1245hrs Monday 14 April 2025, I went out to get some milk... and to take photos of Severn Trents' works (bit of gruella journalism). walking towards the end of Windsor Crescent, I noticed that the site entrance is open, whereas before, it's always shut! The tension was palpable — the vibe? Somewhere between low-budget Bond villain lair and regional water utility exercising damage control. However, it was guarded by an orange hi-vis Meanie (no, not Donald Trump), lurking behind an excavator, who grunted something loudly at me. I'm not sure if it was 'all right' or 'get out' or, indeed, something more explicit My anxiety level shot up, but I decided to play 'dumb', and reply in my thickest N. Lincs accent, "awreet!". That seemed to pacify him, and when his back was turned, SNAP! I took a photo of the specimen!. I moved on, capturing images as I went — all legally taken from public footpaths.
I proceeded onto Windsor Lane, where it's practically blocked off to traffic (& very nearly pedestrians, too), with cones and harris fencing. More orange hi-vis Meanies scowling at me as I continued taking photos - apart from the one in the photo, apparently busy enjoying ‘adult entertainment’ on his smartphone, on the firms’ time!
Then, as I turned into Windsor Road, on the Junction with Potts Lane, another orange hi-viz meanie popped up from one of the 'drainage' (read: 'sewage') holes they've dug, and spoke to me, this time in intelligible English, "Anything I can help you with?". Again, my anxiety rose, and I replied to him, "You want to watch YouTube!", and walked on.
To the hi-vis gentleman who grunted at me: I refer you to your Community Communications Manager, Timothy Ip. I’m sure he’ll spare you no effort in helping you brush up on your language skills and providing you with some lessons in basic human etiquette!
To the hi-vis gentleman who asked if he could help me: Yes. You can help… by watching YouTube.
Part Two: When You’re the One Being Watched
New surveillance towers appear in a quiet residential street — but who’s watching, why, and where’s the oversight?
Thursday 17 April: As Severn Trent (ie. their contractors, CPC Civils) disappear for Easter, questions remain buried deeper than the excavations...
I popped out and took lots of photos of the works down Windsor Crescent, Windsor Lane & Windsor Road. I've noticed they installed two sinister 'TARDIS' - like boxes with CCTV cameras on a tall pole.
What or, rather, whom are they watching? There's also signs down Windsor Lane saying "Deep Excavations". But the ‘Big Brother eyes’ appear to be focused on the public highway and residents’ homes!
All this raises serious questions:
- Exactly what or who are they recording, and for whose benefit?
- Is audio as well as video being recorded?
- Are residents’ homes being overlooked? Is privacy being compromised?
- What about GDPR / SAR / FOI implications and rights of access?
- Public notice? Informed consent? (given their track record? As if!)
- Who owns the footage? STW? NLC? CPC Civils?
- Can you file a SAR to get footage of yourself? (spoiler: yes)
And of course... why are these being used in a quiet residential PUBLIC road, anyway?
💬 Enjoyed this post? Want more on the Severn Trent saga?
If you’d like to see future updates — including more revelations, FOI fallout, and yes, further appearances by Mr Ip — please consider:
✅ Subscribing to the blog (it's free)
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✅ Sharing this post with a friend, neighbour, journalist, or (especially) Severn Trent...
Because we’re just getting started. 🕵️♂️💼
📌 P.S. Timothy — if you're reading this... just blink twice and send the full report.
📢 We’ll keep pressing. You keep watching.
📚 Read the full Blog Archive at mickeyjoe1.substack.com
📽️ Video archive: https://youtube.com/@MickeyJoe-z6r
👉 If you feel strongly about the issues raised in this article, then consider sending an e-mail to Crowle Town Council (clerk@crowleandealandcouncil.org) or North Lincolnshire Council (customerservice@northlincs.gov.uk) or even Councillor Julie Reed, (Cllr.juliereed@northlincs.gov.uk), and ask them why are residents being silenced?