Naturists have flocked to its sands since the 1970s but now one of Britain’s first nudist beaches is to be axed because of coastal erosion.

Waveney District Council has confirmed that following a three-month public consultation the naturist beach at Corton, near Lowestoft, will be de-designated with effect from November 1.

In a statement the council said it was committed to exploring suitable, alternative facilities for the naturist community.

But Malcolm Boura, research and liaison officer at the British Naturism organisation hit out at the decision. He said: “This will come as a blow to our members and it is going to upset a lot of people.”

A council spokesman said the original recommendation, presented last December, acknowledged the concerns of Corton residents regarding the lack of available beach space for non-naturists.

“The naturist beach was founded by Waveney District Council in the mid-1970s and, at the time, Corton village had a long sandy beach which was used by locals and a large number of visitors,” said the spokesman.

“However, significant beach erosion during the past 20 years has led to a reduction of some 80pc of available beach space.”

Story in the Norwich Evening News