Naturists' plea over nudist beach

Naturists are calling on a Suffolk council to keep open one of Britain's first nudist beaches.

A report to Waveney District Council said the 200-yd (183m) section of beach in Corton, near Lowestoft, should be "de-designated".

It said erosion had left "very little beach" for residents, meaning the nudist area should be for general use.

But British Naturism said it would contest the recommendation and said legal action was "always an option".

The report is due to be considered by the authority on Thursday.

Amicable solution

British Naturism spokesman Malcolm Boura, 55, from near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, said the beach had been nudist since 1979.

He said: "Once we've been able to discuss the matter with the council, I'm sure we can come up with an amicable solution.

"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 about any legal action but, as is the position with anything like this, it's always an option."

Waveney District Council spokesman Phil Harris said: "There's been considerable coastal erosion on the beach at Tibbenham's Score, which is to the north of the nudist beach.

"That represents an 80% reduction in available beach in that area."

Mr Harris said the council's cabinet would decide on Thursday whether to put the proposed closure out to public consultation.