Shop noise device is simply not on

Human rights group Liberty has just written to the Marks & Spencer Simply Food store in Stratheden Parade, Blackheath, about the equipment.

The device releases a constant high-pitched pulse which can only be heard by under-25s.

It is being used to drive away nuisance youths.

Liberty claims the device is a "discriminatory and degrading practice against children and young people".

It believes the device is in breach of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, because it discriminates against young people.

Liberty's biggest complaint is the device does not discriminate between under-25s who are engaged in illegal activity and those who are not.

In its first letter, the human rights group said: "Liberty believes it does not encourage young people to act responsibly but presumes they will not."

However, shop manager James Gutteridge disagrees.

He added: "The device does what it is supposed to do because it makes it uncomfortable for young people to stand around outside.

"Its purpose is to stop kids from starting a nuisance.

"If you have a group of kids mucking about it can be intimidating for old people and there are a lot in this area."

Mr Gutteridge says the device was first suggested by the police and as far as he knows it is legal.

A Marks & Spencer spokesman said: "The use of the device is restricted to this particular store.

"We have no plans to install it in any further stores across the UK."

One youngster who has experienced a similar device described the sound as a piercing high pitched noise which makes you want to run and hide.

Ben Hartley, 23, of Selah Drive, Swanley, has heard the sound from a similar device.

He said: "The sound is a high-pitched squealing noise which becomes disturbing after only a minute or two."

The device was installed on March 13 when the store opened but was vandalised last month.

Although it has been repaired, the store will not say if or when it will be turned backed on.