'Sex in open air' scandal
BUDLEIGH Salterton's reputation as a respectable seaside town has been tarnished because the nudist beach has made its way onto a pornographic website as a hot spot where people go to have sex in the open.
The website has listed the nudist beach as a 'dogging' site, where couples and strangers meet and watch each other having sex.
Dogging is a broad term used to cover all sexual outdoor activities which involve exhibitionism and voyeurism. Dogging is also carried out in cars.
The website claims the town's beach is an ideal place to meet 'exhibitionists and gays' and also attracts couples who are willing to join others in sexual activities.
Budleigh nudist beach regulars Pauline, 49, and Dave Wingate, from Hertfordshire, said although they were shocked that the conservative town was a target for doggers, they weren't surprised.
Dave, 52, a warehouse manager, said: "Three years ago there was a couple at the back of the beach having sex.
"They just didn't care that people could see them. People were wandering past and nobody batted an eyelid.
"It's a shame this is going on because the council will probably shut the beach. Budleigh is a gentile place and a family beach. There are usually children down here."
A 63-year-old Woodbury resident, who regularly uses the nudist beach, but did not want to be named, said: "It's been going on for a long time. I have seen it, not on a regular basis, but it does go on. They are normally voyeurs."
A 65-year-old Woodbury nudist, who also wanted to remain anonymous, said: "It goes on everywhere these days, but it's not enough to worry about.
"Things that used to shock people don't seem to today. Youngsters are more open-minded."
Budleigh Salterton mayor Caz Sismore-Hunt said: "It's quite a shock. I am not happy.
"This is not the sort of thing Budleigh wants to be linked with. We pride ourselves on being a family town. We don't want a beach full of weirdos."
Budleigh councillor Chris Kitson said: "I am totally against any act of indecency which is going to offend the public. I would hope that if this was taking place there would be steps in place to keep it in order and police it."
Budleigh's Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Kim Chapman said: "I have no knowledge at all and have had no reports about such goings on.
"I would expect that if dogging was taking place at the nudist beach or anywhere else I would have had a phone call."
A spokesman for the district council, which is responsible for the nudist beach, said: "We were certainly not aware of this and will be liaising with the local police to assess whether offences are being committed.
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