Plan B Forum

Fake sign promotes Cotswold viewpoint as 'dogging' area

A fake brown tourist sign, pointing to an "official dogging area" at a Cotswold beauty spot has been ripped down by angry residents.

It was put up on the Cirencester bypass at Birdlip and points towards the Barrow Wake viewpoint - a notorious site for public sexual activity.

David Parkinson said Barrow Wake's reputation was a problem for local residents and the sign did not help.

Police said they were aware of their concerns and were addressing them.

'Stranger sex'

Mr Parkinson said: "It does tend to make the lives of local residents impossible.

"The viewpoint itself is one of the best in the area, giving fantastic views across Gloucestershire.

"You park there and you get accosted by people after 'stranger sex', I believe the terminology is. It's become a no-go area for residents."

He said the sign looked very much like an official one, but he was planning to burn it on a bonfire.

Gloucestershire police inspector, Phil Offord, said an operation addressing the residents' concerns was ongoing.

"One of the key elements of the operation is to encourage local residents to report any incidents in the area," he said.

"Our priority is to ensure that the area remains safe and beautiful for all those that live, work and visit here.

"We would like to encourage people to talk to the local policing team about any concerns they have for the area and also to report any illegal or suspicious activity so that appropriate action can be taken."

Dogging is a British euphemism for engaging in sexual acts in a semi-public place (typically a secluded car park in a car) and then watching others doing so. Frequently, there are more than two participants; both group sex and gang banging can be included. As observation is encouraged, voyeurism and exhibitionism are closely associated with dogging. The two sets of people involved often meet either randomly or (increasingly) arrange to meet-up beforehand over the Internet.

In September 2003, the BBC reported on the 'new' dogging craze. They cited the Internet and text messaging as very common ways of organising meetings. The original definition of dogging (and which is still a closely-related activity) is spying on couples having sex in a car or other public place.

There is some evidence on the Internet that the 'craze' has recently begun to spread to other countries (such as the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and New Zealand.)

Daisy wrote:WikiP seems to think so

There is some evidence on the Internet that the 'craze' has recently begun to spread to other countries (such as the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and New Zealand.)

The Hen wrote:

Daisy wrote:WikiP seems to think so

There is some evidence on the Internet that the 'craze' has recently begun to spread to other countries (such as the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and New Zealand.)

I tend to doubt the 'some evidence'. I is telling you, this hasn't caught on here. I haven't even heard of it from friends in Sydney or Melbourne. I guess if it was happening ANYWHERE here, Sean should be able to tell us.