Thanet District Council has lifted threats to prosecute nude bathers at Foreness Point beach, Botany Bay, pending a meeting with local naturists. Signs which claimed that naturists would be prosecuted have not been replaced following their removal by vandals.

According to a Council spokesman, writing in reply to an email enquiry:

"There has been a temporary ban, however a meeting with local naturists is being held shortly to find an amicable solution."

Local campaigners Peter Checksfield and Reg Barlow are to meet representatives of the Council next Friday, August 16th. They are hoping to negotiate a permanent removal of the prosecution threat and ensure continued use of a section the beach for nude bathing - an entirely legal activity.

Since the Council attempted to ban them, the subject of naturists at Botany Bay has received considerable coverage in the local news media, including the Thanet Times newspaper and the local radio station Invicta FM. Refreshingly, most of the coverage has been supportive of the rights of naturists.

"What's the harm in people getting their kit off on a beach unofficially used by naturists for years? There's enough beach for everyone. That's the beauty of Kent"