It is five years ago this week since a council moved to reassure residents after buying two drones.

Epping Forest District Council has defended its decision to buy two drones after accusations that they could be used for “snooping” on members of the public.

“We will not be looking into peoples (sic) back gardens,” the district council said today (April 13) as it claimed the unmanned aerial vehicles will save money and help protect the environment.

The purchase of two DJI Phantom 3 drones for £5,000 was agreed on January 11, with the budget including Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved training for staff.

The money came from the council’s ‘invest to save’ scheme, and it is hoped the appliances can be loaned out to other local authorities and public bodies.

A council statement said: “We have been buying commercial photographs and videos for site surveys for over 50 years.

“This has included the hire of drones.

“Purchasing drones has many benefits that will save the council money and time.”

These could include finding fly-tipped rubbish and unauthorised caravan encampments, carrying out planning surveys and checking roofs and guttering on council-owned estates to save money on scaffolding.

“We would like to reassure residents that the drones will not be used for snooping on our residents but used as a valuable tool in the fight against environmental and planning abuses,” the statement added.

The council has faced criticism for buying the drones, which are not yet being used.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Renate Samson, chief executive of campaign group Big Brother Watch, said: “Councils may claim that they need to use drones to ensure good behaviour of local residents, but snooping on citizens’ homes, gardens and private space without forewarning or explanation is an infringement of privacy and runs counter to the advice for proper use provided by the civil aviation authority.”

It is not yet known when the drones may come into use.

Do you live or used to live in Epping Forest and are interested in sharing your memories and pictures of the area? Ask to join our nostalgia Facebook group 'We grew up in Epping Forest' via this link.