Council eNews | Wellbeing Festival, waste drop-offs and more

Dear friends,

Your safety and privacy will always be a priority for me.

As you may have heard, I have taken the important step of banning AI smart glasses at all Council-operated Leisure and Aquatic Centres.

The decision to ban this intrusive technology was an easy one, as there was growing concern from locals, particularly parents, about their potential misuse and exploitation of children and young people.

While smart glasses have many positive uses, including supporting people with accessibility needs and helping with day-to-day tasks, there must be clear safeguards in place where privacy is paramount.

The new ban provides greater clarity for visitors and staff while reinforcing existing restrictions on unauthorised photography and filming. It’s simple: if you don’t have permission, don’t film.

Importantly, residents who rely on smart glasses as assistive technology can continue to access our facilities, when permission is granted upon entry.

This is a practical, balanced measure that puts community safety first and helps ensure our pools remain family-friendly spaces for all.

As always, if you see any behaviour that concerns you, please speak with our staff so we can take appropriate action.

Regards,

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek