Police target sex hot-spots

Shropshire's most popular beauty spots - including the landmark Wrekin hill - are providing a haven for groups to meet and have sex in public.

Police have received reports of inappropriate sexual activity taking place at sites across the county and investigations involving sexual health groups and local authority officials are now being carried out in a bid to target hot-spots.

A police crackdown has also been launched on people using public areas for the cult sexual activity known as "dogging".

Internet websites dedicated to the activity have described Telford's landmark hill The Wrekin as a "beacon" for county followers while a car park between Atcham and Cross Houses and a nature reserve at Merrington, near Bomere Heath, are also advertised as discreet meeting spots.

Maria Hawkaluk, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: "We are working closely with a number of partners including the local authority, The Terrence Higgins Trust and advisory groups on a multi-agency solution to the problem. Those found to be committing an offence will be dealt with appropriately."

Jon King, spokesman for Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, said: "What we do endeavour to do is to keep these places open for the public to use in legitimate ways and it would be a shame if this kind of behaviour spoilt the experience for those who are using them for legitimate leisure purposes."

Sergeant Geoff Weinel, from Telford Police, said: "The only area I know has been an issue is the Nedgehill between Stirchley and Shifnal. It's a beauty spot with a car park at the top."

Pete Lambert, The Wrekin projects officer for Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: "Any activity that is either abusive or improper obviously we are unhappy about and we do liaise directly with West Mercia Police to ensure sites are not abused."

By Russell Roberts