Villagers' fears over Berrow dunes nude sunbathers (From This is The West Country)
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Villagers' fears over Berrow dunes nude sunbathers
11:30am Thursday 27th May 2010 in News By David Hemming
Villagers' fears over Berrow dunes nude sunbathers
VILLAGERS fear a growing influx of nude sunbathers is ruining Berrow's reputation as a tourist haven.
Parish councillor Carol Dyer has lived in the village for 52 years and says more and more sun-seekers are flocking to the dunes on hot and sunny days every year to strip naked - in full view of children.
She said: “It is not a nudist beach - if it was we would expect it.
“These people probably don't think they are doing any harm but it isn't nice when kids are around.
“The problem seems to be getting worse and worse and most villagers avoid the areas where they know the nudists will be now.
“Some of them are quite exhibitionist and when they hear you coming they just stand up which isn't nice either.
“This is a real concern and something the council and police have been battling for a long time and we are worried about the effect on the village's reputation.”
Inspector Roger Tolley of Burnham police has pledged to step up patrols after a number of reports of naked sunbathers on the dunes in the last few days.
He said: “This is not illegal but it depends on what they are doing. A lot of parents take their young children to the beach and this can be very alarming and distressing for them.
“There are occasions where the behaviour is lewd, but often they are just lying down sunbathing with no clothes on - we plan to advise and educate those involved.”
Cllr Dyer added: “Residents need to keep reporting these types of incidents to police so they can put more resources into sorting it out.”
Comments(2)
Stabvest
says...
2:40pm Sat 29 May 10
As usual, the UK is going overboard to cater for the preferences of a tiny minority at the expense of the decent, ordinary population.
mumtoo says...
5:24am Sat 29 May 10
I hope that concerned parents like Parish councillor Dyer will fully involve us in finding ways to deal with any improper behaviour, whether through education, reporting incidents or on-the-spot intervention.