England: Nudity ‘banned’ at Northampton saunas

[Danee]

Nudity is being banned at council-run steam rooms and saunas across Northampton, including one which was the subject of a sex scandal 10 years ago.


From July 23, nobody will be allowed in the health suites at the Mounts Baths and Danes Camp leisure centres without wearing swimming costumes.


Northampton Leisure Trust, which manages the centres, insisted the move was part of an ongoing review and not the result of an incident.


The change in policy is for single sex sessions, as mixed sessions have always required swimming costumes.


The health suite at Mounts Baths features Turkish hot rooms, a steam room and a sauna, while Danes Camp has a sauna and a steam room. Some single-sex sessions at Mounts Baths were cancelled in 2003 after the discovery of condoms in the health suite.


Ian Redfern, managing director of Northampton Leisure Trust, said: “Our Turkish baths, sauna and steam room make the health suite at Mounts Baths really popular as a place to relax and feel re-energised.


“We are asking customers to wear swimming costumes when using the facilities as we have both male and female attendants. We want people to feel relaxed and enjoy their experience and would not want anyone to feel embarrassed by a member of staff of the opposite sex needing to enter the health suite.


“At the same time we have a duty to our staff, who may not feel comfortable entering the health suite to perform their duties or to assist a customer in an emergency.


“We are always looking at how we can improve the services we offer and what is best practice. By making this change, in line with many others in the leisure industry, we found we could offer a better service as all our staff would be able to continue with their duties throughout the day.”


Northampton has long been a haven for naturist activity. The British Naturism Society is based in the town, and naturist group, the Northampton Sun Group, have held gatherings at Mounts Baths since 1982.


The Chron reported in June 2003 that sauna sessions at Mounts Baths Leisure Centre were axed following the discovery of used condoms in the health suite.

Staff found the discarded sheaths at the end of a men-only session at the suite.

Fears over the centre being used as a meeting place for sex prompted management to halt most of the same-sex sessions.


The decision sparked outrage among sauna lovers, who launched a petition demanding the right to remove their swimming costumes. Shirley Jones, who led the petition, said: “ It’s disgusting. How are we expected to fully enjoy the benefits if we have to sit there in swimming costumes or wrapped in towels? All we want is for them to bring back the single sex sessions so we can sit in there naked, as nature intended.”


From: [size=78%]http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/nudity-banned-at-northampton-saunas-1-5245575[/size]

[c1108r]

Quite interesting because BN are based in Northampton.

Getting turfed out on their own turf.

[ToneBender]

“At the same time we have a duty to our staff, who may not feel comfortable entering the health suite to perform their duties or to assist a customer in an emergency.

Professionalism people. People working in what is essentially a healthcare setting need a bit of perspective. Can you imagine if doctors, nurses or first responders were unable to handle simple nudity. Don't like it? Don't work there.

The Chron reported in June 2003 that sauna sessions at Mounts Baths Leisure Centre were axed following the discovery of used condoms in the health suite.

OK... That's Gross. Step up vigilance - make it known that will not be tolerated.

The decision sparked outrage among sauna lovers, who launched a petition demanding the right to remove their swimming costumes. Shirley Jones, who led the petition, said: “ It’s disgusting. How are we expected to fully enjoy the benefits if we have to sit there in swimming costumes or wrapped in towels? All we want is for them to bring back the single sex sessions so we can sit in there naked, as nature intended.”

Hear, Hear!

[nudetrail]

that's a shame

[Rockingnature]

    well this doesn't sound like Europe. sex happens everywhere, where you least expected. such a shame.

[Kyle]

    well this doesn't sound like Europe. sex happens everywhere, where you least expected. such a shame.

Well England is not really Europe. Geographically, yes. But culturally it's very distinct. At least I think.

And if there is sex, it's going to happen regardless of whether they say you need a swimsuit or not! It needs to be guest policing other guests.
At least someone is speaking out. And a woman at that!
I think that if it was a man people would think he was a sex fiend. But a woman won't be perceived that way.
Not that women can't be sex fiends. But cultural perceptions and all.