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The Clitheroe


Thursday, November 2nd, 2006 No. 6,275 news and views from the Centre of the Kingdom www.clitheroetoday.co.uk Price 60p dvertiser and 1 imes rn I I


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INSIDE TODAY... 16 PAGES OF PROPERTY PAGE 2


Sex shame fury as picnic site becomes no-go area


by Faiza Afzaal


A BIZARRE sex craze has led to police stepping up patrols at one of the Ribble Valley’s best-known


picnic sites. Clitheroe Police and countryside


rangers are to get tough on couples indulging in lewd behaviour at Spring Wood Picnic Site. The move follows complaints from


an outraged mother who contacted the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times after witnessing two couples indulging in public sexual activity in broad day­ light at the beauty spot on the A671 Accrington Road, on the outskirts of Whalley. The practice, commonly known as


“dogging”, is where strangers are invited to watch and join in with cou­ ples having sex in public places. The 36-year-old woman, who wishes


to remain, anonymous, took her four- year-old son and his friend (also four), out for a half-term afternoon walk at the picnic site and was horrified at what she saw. She said: “I enjoy taking my chil­


dren to Spring Wood Picnic Site because it is a pleasant family area. However, during my visit last Thurs­


day I was disgusted. There were two parked cars with couples performing sexual activities inside. I couldn’t believe my eyes because it was 4 p.m. The cars were steamed up and rock­ ing. I am aware that there are places in the Ribble Valley that are used by outdoor sex enthusiasts, especially meeting places for gay men, but it’s disgusting to find that they are carry­ ing on with this kind of behaviour during the day.”


The Clitheroe resident fears that if


the practice continues the popular site may become a no-go area for families. “I want an end to these dogging ses­


sions,” she added. “If these lewd activ­ ities continue it will discourage par­ ents and children from visiting Spring Wood. I certainly won’t be taking my son there until action is taken. Chil­ dren shouldn’t be exposed to things like this. “I’m a great believer in prevention


SPRING WOOD, a popular


venue for


families, but now a no-go area after


complaints of “dogging”


(B31100G/la)


in and around the site. However, he has stressed that he is relying on peo­ ple to call the police as soon as they witness any lewd behaviour in public. “We are aware of dogging incidents


that have taken place in the past at Sping Wood Picnic Site,” he com­ mented. "We don’t want anyone, least of all


children, being exposed to inappropri­ ate behaviour in broad daylight. It is unacceptable for people to behave in this way in public and parents have my assurance that from now on offi­ cers will be on increased patrols.” Similar views were expressed by Mr


and action needs to be taken fast to stop vulgar incidents like these from happening in public places.” Also upset by the incidents is Whal­


ley councillor Joyce Holgate. She said: “A family should be able to enjoy a walk at the picnic site without having to witness unacceptable behaviour by a minority of people.” Insp. Mark Porter, of Clitheroe


Police, has vowed to tackle the prob­ lem robustly and has increased patrols


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Andrew Greenwood, head ranger of the Lancashire Countryside Service. He added: "This is not an activity we encourage or condone on any of our countryside sites. "We are aware that such activity is


being carried out by a number of visi­ tors to our sites and are actively work­ ing with the local police to reduce the frequency of this anti-social activity through increased levels of presence and by responding to comments received from members of the public." Anyone who has witnessed any


similar incidents that they wish to report should call the police on 01200 443344.


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