Consultation opens on Lowestoft nudist beach

A consultation into controversial plans to axe one of Britain's oldest nudist beaches is now under way.Waveney District Council is inviting members of the public to have their say on proposals to return the nudist section of the beach at Corton, near Lowestoft, to general use.

A consultation into controversial plans to axe one of Britain's oldest nudist beaches is now under way.

Waveney District Council is inviting members of the public to have their say on proposals to return the nudist section of the beach at Corton, near Lowestoft, to general use.

The 12-week consultation, which closes on April 3, starts tomorrow. The nudist beach was founded in the mid-1970s when Corton village had a long, sandy beach but now the council has said that coastal erosion has led to the loss of so much of the beach that it should all now be made open to the public.

The proposal has sparked an angry response from the British Naturism organisation, who insist that the nudist beach already has an 'optional' status, meaning that anyone can use it.

Ken Sale, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said: 'Our proposals for the beach have generated a lot of coverage and now is the opportunity for those with an opinion to formally express their views.

'We want as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and help us reach the right decision for Corton beach, its users and our communities.'

For full details of the consultation and to take part, visit the council's website via www.edp24.co.uk/dailylinks. Forms are also available at the Marina customer services centre and the Town Hall in Lowestoft, Southwold tourist information centre and the council's local offices Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth.