HISTORIC landmarks, views, roads and homes in Lowestoft could soon come under the gaze of millions.People could soon be able to get a close-up look of the town's main attractions from the comfort of their computer as Lowestoft looks set to be added to Google's controversial new mapping service.

HISTORIC landmarks, views, roads and homes in Lowestoft could soon come under the gaze of millions.

People could soon be able to get a close-up look of the town's main attractions from the comfort of their computer as Lowestoft looks set to be added to Google's controversial new mapping service.

After Google Street View was launched across 25 cities in March it was dubbed in certain quarters as an invasion of privacy, as web and mobile phone users can effectively see a snapshot of people's lives through 360-degree views.

The database, which includes photographs of millions of residential addresses, people and cars, launched in America in May 2007 and is already available in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain and Italy.

But fears have been raised that personal privacy has been invaded by the new internet maps.

With all of the images captured by a specially adapted fleet of camera cars last summer, the Google Street View mapping car has been spotted in Lowestoft.

The car has been busy across town, after being first seen in Oulton Broad at the end of May, in Carlton Colville in June, and then reaching Gunton this month.

This image was captured by Journal photographer Mick Howes at the Peto Way roundabout near the North Quay Retail Park.

In the midst of a privacy furore, Google said that all the images 'are only what people would normally see from street level' and added it would investigate any complaints that people make about the maps - with offending images easily removed.

Visit www.maps.google.co.uk

What do you think? Are you happy with Lowestoft being showcased on Google Street View? Write to The Journal, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft, NR32 1NB.