Nudists fight to keep naked beach

Naturists have threatened legal action to protect Britain's first nudist beach, in Corton, near Lowestoft, in Suffolk.

The 200-yard stretch of beach, which is hidden by wooden groynes from general view, was originally designated as a nudist beach in 1979. However, coastal erosion has destroyed a large area of the reaming beach, leading the council to suggest it should be "de-designated".

Waveney District Council spokesperson Phil Harris said: "The bottom line is that there was a long sandy beach when the nudist section opened on a section of it.

"There was plenty of room for people to enjoy the beach without going anywhere near the nudist part of it if they did not wish to.

"But it is felt that the shrinking amount of beach due to coastal erosion in recent years means there is not enough for a designated nudist section."

In response British Naturism – which has 14,000 members and represents Britain's 1.5 million nudists – has stated it will contest the recommendation, with legal action a possibility.

"Once we've been able to discuss the matter with the council, I'm sure we can come up with an amicable solution," said British Naturism spokesman Malcolm Boor.

"We would welcome any proposal to move the beach slightly further south but we do not want to lose a designated area.

"This is used by several hundred naturists on a good summer's day.

"It's too early to be talking about any legal action but, as is the position with anything like this, it's always an option."

A decision is expected on Thursday.

Chris O'Toole