Nudists stray as signs go missing

Morfa Dyffryn beach was designated for use by nudists in 2000

Naturists in Gwynedd have been straying from an official nudist beach after signs marking the area disappeared.

The Morfa Dyffryn zone, near Barmouth, has been a popular nudist beach for 30 years and was made an official nude sunbathing area in 2000.

But Gwynedd Council said signs marking the nudist beach had been moved without permission.

Gwynedd councillor Emyr Pugh said the designated beach normally worked well with few complaints.

"It seems signs which mark the area earmarked for the nudists to use have disappeared," said local community councillor Alun Gerrard.

"A customer came in to my shop and said he had challenged a nude man who was outside the area.

Official site

"I just want the signs to be replaced," he added.

The beach near Barmouth has been a popular site for nude sunbathers for more than 30 years, but was officially designated as a nudist beach by Gwynedd Council in 2000.

Gwynedd councillor Mr Pugh said it was simply a matter of having the signs replaced.

"Having this (nudist) beach has worked exceptionally well," he said.

"In the year before it was designated there were 20 complaints about the nudists, but in the first year afterwards we only received one," he said.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said signs had been removed or repositioned nearer to the beach entrances without the council's approval.

"As this inconsiderate action can cause distress and embarrassment to those not participating in naturist activities, the council is reviewing the situation," he added.