Hayley MacePolice have called for an end to 'inappropriate behaviour' on a former naturist beach.Hayley Mace

Police have called for an end to 'inappropriate behaviour' on a former naturist beach.

The beach at Corton, north of Lowestoft, was made a general use area at the end of last summer because coastal erosion means there is very little beach left for sunbathers to use.

While nude sunbathing is not illegal on the beach, police have been called several times in recent weeks to reports of 'inappropriate behaviour' and now people using the beach are being asked to respect the fact that the site is used by both families and naturists.

Suffolk police supt Ian Sidney said: 'We have received several calls in the past few weeks and have attended the beach to investigate reports of inappropriate behaviour.

'However, there is no law to prevent naturists using Corton beach, and we would hope that all communities can respect the wishes and activities of others as long as they are reasonable.'

He said that by-laws did not prohibit nude sunbathing, but some other activities, such as a man deliberately exposing himself or other obscene acts, were illegal and police would continue to take action against anyone carrying out any activity which causes harrassment, alarm or distress, including anyone who is abusive towards naturists using the beach.

Ken Sale, Waveney council's portfolio holder for the environment, said: 'The council made a decision to remove the special designation for Corton beach and it is no longer a stretch for the express use of naturists.

'However, naturism itself is not illegal on any beach, and it is now for all our communities to behave appropriately and with respect for others.'