Fears over village swingers' club

The venue was built for weddings

A north Devon farmer has caused a stir among villagers by diversifying into hosting a swingers' club.

Roger Stanbury said the premises in Horswell near Bishops Tawton were providing a "harmless" service.

But some villagers say the club, promising "sexy fun", is the wrong type of entertainment for a rural area.

The venue was originally a barn which was converted into a weddings venue by Mr Stanbury in 2001 using money from South West Tourism, said Mr Stanbury.

One neighbour, Sheila Moorcroft, 62, said: "I don't think it's fitting. I think it's pretty sleazy."

Divorced dairy farmer Mr Stanbury, 54, said he decided to diversify in 1996 following the BSE crisis.

First he set up a holiday park and in 2001 converted a barn on the site into a weddings and functions venue.

I wouldn't have put on a swingers club unless I knew there were a lot of people who wanted this type of thing Roger Stanbury

Last year he attracted some adverse publicity when he introduced a once-a-month strip night at the venue, called Club Vanilla.

On 26 April he is planning a once-a-month swingers club.

The club's website says it offers "a sophisticated club environment designed for sexy fun" with "erotic areas, a jacuzzi, dance floor and an "exotic floor show".

Mr Stanbury told BBC News: "We put on a few strip shows and it went down very well.

"I wouldn't have put on a swingers club unless I knew there were a lot of people who wanted this type of thing.

"It's not illegal. It's not sleazy. It's a club for mature couples who want to meet other people who want the same thing and have an enjoyable night out."

He added: "No-one is going to be harmed. Most people are broad-minded enough round here to find it quite amusing."

Colin Petty, who also lives nearby, said: "As long as it's confined and doesn't go over the top, then it's ok.

"I'm not a prude, but if this affects the way I live, then I will be doing something about it."

Malcolm Bell, chief executive of South West Tourism, said it supported any legal enterprise.

He said: "As long as it is legal then technically there is no problem.

"It's a sign of the times, but we always encourage people to get the maximum amount of local support for a new venture."

A North Devon Council spokesman said: "There are no restrictions on the licence which say they can't have adult entertainment."