Some Wentworth Falls residents claim the on-line feature is an invasion of people's privacy, describing it as “global Big Brother”.

Blaxland Road resident Sandra Turner acknowledged the service isn’t without its benefits.

“But I'm most concerned about it being used as a tool for organised crime,” she said.

“I might be being alarmist, but I think people have a right to know if their house is going to be photographed for all to see.

“To me, there are enough invasions of privacy already.”

Her neighbour, Margaret, recalls spotting a Google vehicle with a huge tripod and multiple cameras on its roof taking photos along her street during the Christmas/New Year period.

“Future generations will never have the freedom we had and I think people have to start saying something,” Margaret said.

“It's also a potential service for burglars — what if you left your garage door open when the Google car came along?

“Then anyone on the internet would be able to see what you have.”

Google Street View offers 360-degree pedestrian-level views of streets and properties.

Google's European plans for the service will face strict privacy regulations provided by European Union legislation and the internet information giant has already been forced in Australia to blur number plates and people's faces in Street View photographs.

Google did not return the Blue Mountains Gazette's calls before going to press, but according to media reports, photos can be removed by request by logging on to Google's website.

“Many people would not even be aware that their homes can be viewed on the internet,” Mrs Turner said.

“People need to know how to remove photos, but what about those who don't have internet access?”

Early reaction by some young Upper Mountains residents to Google Street View was more positive.

“I've had some fun with it, spotting some of my friends’ places,” a Katoomba teenager said.

“You can see where you want to go before you even go there.”

Some streets in Leura were photographed for Google Street View with piles of rubbish on nature strips waiting to be collected as part of council's annual clean-up service.