(30 Jun 2015, 5:11 pm)aureolin wrote Aye, they're not interested. I've been told at Gateshead for having my camera out (but not using it), and when I've asked what they're doing about the smokers, apparently that's none of my business...
It may be worth someone making an appointment with Galleries management to see if they'll come to some level of common sense. Perhaps it's just a misunderstanding on their part? Having said that like, we tried similar with Nexus, and they had said they were going to review the policy in the near future - something we probably need to follow up on actually.
Just been into the Management Suite at The Galleries and queried why we are not allowed to take photos on Private Property, In which the woman on Reception went and got the Manager of the Shopping Centre, who in a polite, professional and accommodating manner explained to why, Basically it is for "Commercial Reasons", such as taking Photos of the Exterior of Buildings located within The Galleries, or in our case of Buses for Personal Usage and Uploading them to Social Media Sites such as Facebook and Photo Sharing Sites like Flickr.
Basically all we have to do in this case is write to The Galleries Management, stating our Personal Details and Reason for wanting to take Photos, then they will decide whether to allow you to take Photos based on the above, if they give you permission you must arrange a Date with them in Advance and they will supply you with a High Vis Jacket and a Vistors Badge, if you opt to ignore that and just simply turn up and start taking Photos anywhere in The Galleries property, whether that be the Bus Station, Sainsburys Car Park or on any of the access roads/grass verges leading into and around The Galleries then you will be approached by Security and asked why you are taking Photos and what of.
As I said Yesterday I wouldnt even bother going to The Galleries or any other Transport Interchange and doing as you Please regardless of the Rules in place by the owners of the Property, there are plenty of nice spots in the Washington Area in which you can go to at free will and take photos, such as Fatfield Bridge/Riverside, Washington Village and Donwell to name a few, as is the case with other Areas across the Region and further afield if you like going to places elsewhere in the UK on Day Trips etc.
I certainly hope you all take note of this post, as in the long run if we play by the rules and respect them rather than ignoring them, then we will build a greater understanding and relationship with the respective owners of the Properties in which we often taken photos on without their Permission, which in the future may lead to less chance of confrontation, particularly with Nexus, perhaps then they will be more accommodating and welcoming towards us.