UK city centre nude park walk axed after furious backlash from locals

A controversial UK city centre park nudist walk on Saturday morning has been cancelled over 'safety concerns'. On Wednesday the Daily Express revealed local residents' and families' fears over the 11.30am walk at Queens Park, in Harborne, Birmingham, that began not far from a kids' play area.

The West Midlands Naturist Association event sparked debate on social media, with many people raising concerns over indecent exposure. Now organiser Leah Crowley has confirmed it's been called off because "ignorant abuse online" and the event was "blown out of proportion" - stressing a nude body should not be seen as offensive.

She said: "It's quite sad for some people to associate a simple nude body as something offensive when it's the most natural thing.

"There are a lot of naturists in this country and I'm sure we are not a minority because some people feel they can't come out due to ignorance.

"Naturism is more accepted today and continues to thrive."

Ms Crowley added: "More people are rediscovering themselves through the connection to nature and with themselves.

"Nudity is non sexual and it's the attitude and how someone behaves or dresses which can have that effect."

The group previously claimed it had received council approval for the event - a claim the authority has now denied.

Posters advertising the event, shared online by the group, claimed it was "council approved".

But Birmingham City Council questioned the claim and said while it was aware of the walk, it had not approved or endorsed it.

Councillor Sam Forsyth expressed her hope that the event was a "joke", a "hoax" or a "very early April Fool's". She said: "It's causing quite a big concern. I walk my dog there."

Councillor Majid Mahmood, Birmingham's environment lead, said the council was aware of the initial plans for the walk and had liaised with West Midlands Police about it.

Earlier this week he said: "The council has not approved or endorsed the gathering.

"We have advised organisers that this is not an 'event' with council backing and they have now agreed to remove our logo from any material."

West Midlands Police confirmed they had been informed about the event but clarified they had no authority to either deny or grant permission.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Events of this type do not require police approval and police have no powers to either deny or grant permission."

The West Midlands Naturist Association stressed their plans for the walk had been "fully approved by the council".

They said the walk was planned to "raise awareness about naturism and to promote body positivity. It's the most rewarding gift we can give to ourselves.

"Basically, we are all born a naturist and along the way the social conditions begin to affect our lives. Naturism is rediscovering yourself and connecting to nature.

"We are part of nature just like the birds and the trees. We need to take care of each other and thrive. Public nudity is legal in UK and it's only illegal if it's intended to cause harm to others.

"Naturism is simply living without artificial additives such as clothes. The only thing offensive about nudity are the uneducated who oppose the most natural human state as something obscene.

"Through the years insecurities and mixed media as well as fashion didn't help. It's time we reclaim who we are."