Beach signs leave naturists cold

Naturists said they were offended by indecent behaviour on beaches

Signs designed to prevent indecent behaviour at a beach have upset local naturists who said the posters imply their lifestyle is offensive.

Naturists who have been using part of a beach at Fraisthorpe in Bridlington Bay have found new signs warning against "offensive" behaviour.

The East Riding of Yorkshire Council said "indecent behaviour" by those who were not naturists had been a problem.

John Wymark-Hoare of British Naturism said they too were against indecency.

In a statement, the council said: "East Riding of Yorkshire Council does not have any designated naturist beaches and the signs are intended to remind people that Fraisthorpe is not such a beach and people should dress accordingly.

"It is quite clear what the intention of the signs is."

A council spokesman explained that the site had been designated for naturist use until the early 1990s - but then some people had begun visiting the beach for "inappropriate" reasons and this had prompted complaints.

But Mr Wymark-Hoare said naturists did not want to be exposed to indecent or offensive behaviour any more than other members of society.

"We would certainly report it [offensive or indecent behaviour] ourselves.

"We have no desire to have our children, or ourselves, upset by offensive behaviour.

"The offensive behaviour, however, does occur - or used to occur - further down the beach near Barmston.

"The actual area used by naturists is quite distinct and discreet from the other area which was a source of contention some years ago."