'Naturist' naked walk at Birmingham park is cancelled after backlash
A controversial 'naturist walk' that was due to take place in Birmingham this weekend has been cast into doubt amid rumours it has been cancelled by organisers.
Nude walkers taking part were set to meet and begin their stroll near a playground in Queen's Park, Harborne at 11.30am on Saturday (September 6). The event was organised by the West Midlands Naturist Association.
The proposal for the walk did not go down well with some community members, including local councillors.
West Midlands Police said it was aware of the planned naturist event, but added officers had no power to stop it taking place in Birmingham this weekend.
It now appears that organisers had called the gathering off over concerns for the safety of walkers following a backlash from residents and councillor for Quinton, Sam Forsyth.
ITV reported organisers had cancelled the event "due to hostility" and concerns for the "safety of walkers" taking part.
A member of the group reportedly told ITV: "Clothes and attitudes have made people feel insecure over time.
"It's quite sad for some people to associate a simple nude body as something offensive when it's the most natural thing."
Councillor Forsyth said: "I'm hoping this [walk] is a joke, a hoax or some kind of very early April Fool's.
"I've had no confirmation or notification from the council.
"It's causing quite a big concern because the car park is in the centre of Queens Park and I walk my dog there."
