A by-law aimed at stopping nude bathing on Devon beaches has been adopted by Devon County Council.

 

The move follows complaints from people living at South Devon coast resorts.
Making the recommendation to the Legal and General Purposes Committee, the Council said that complaints had been received about indecent behaviour adjacent to Slapton Sands. They considered that the by-law should apply to all rural areas in Devon.
Under the suggested by-law it will become an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding £5 for any person in any street or public place wilfully and indecently to expose himself.
The law will apply in the rural districts of Axminster, Barnstaple, Bideford, Broadwoodwidger, Crediton, Holsworthy, Honiton, Kingsbridge, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Plympton, St Thomas, South Molton, Tavistock, Tiverton, Torrington and Totnes. It is along lines similar to those already applying in the urban areas.

The full Gazette article is dated 25 January 1963