A LEISURE centre dogged by peeping toms has put up extra spy cameras.

A CCTV system is now outside The Spa, in Beckenham, as part of a £35,000 scheme to boost security at two of the borough's leisure centres.

Cameras are now also operating outside the Walnuts centre, in Orpington. Both venues already have CCTV cameras in communal areas.

The "state-of-the-art" technology comprises 29 digital cameras that can produce high-quality images. They will monitor the outside of the buildings and car parks.

Police and local businesses have been consulted on the best places to site the cameras and staff have been trained and registered under the Data Protection Act to operate them.

Councillor Neil Reddin, cabinet member for leisure said; "Other London boroughs have installed a similar CCTV system to this and they have seen a reduction in crime."

The two centres attract more than 1,250,000 people every year between them.

News Shopper reported last summer families were boycotting The Spa after they discovered holes had been made in the cubicle walls.

The council's leisure department may now be considering installing drill-proof walls.