Naturist zone debated by council

The only other official nudist beach in Devon is at Budleigh Salterton

Proposals to declare a Devon beach as a naturist zone are being considered by councillors.

Petitor beach in Torquay has been used by nudists for about 25 years, but Torbay Council is to discuss whether to give it some kind of official status.

The council hopes it will eradicate some of the anti-social behaviour that has arisen in the past with youths throwing stones at people on the beach.

Naturist David Nicol said he was really pleased by the council's plans.

'Peeping Toms'

Council spokesman Peter Aunger said it was also a matter of providing choice for all holidaymakers.

Devon and Cornwall Police are supporting the council's plan.

If approved, special signs will be erected warning members of the public to expect to see people without clothes on.

The only other beach in Devon with official naturist status is in Budleigh Salterton.

Last year in Cornwall naturists were banned from Perran Sands following concerns the beach was attracting "peeping Toms" and gay people looking for sex.