Grandparents’ unsavoury find arouses suspicions - naked shower frolics also reported

AN unsavoury discovery by a pair of pensioners aroused suspicions that brazen lovers romped inside a glass-fronted seafront tourist attraction in broad daylight.

Grandparents on a morning stroll were disgusted when they found a used condom strewn across a centre-piece seat at Sidmouth’s Jurassic Coast Interpretation Centre on Monday.

A councillor has revealed x-rated behaviour on the promenade is “nothing new” - with naked frolics reported in nearby showers.

The �25,000 Interpretation Centre on the Esplanade, which is free to enter, is unmanned during its opening hours but displays a plea for users to “enjoy and respect” the venue.

“We’re broad minded, but it’s not a very nice thing to find,” said the 64-year-old who found the prophylactic.

A discarded wrapper was also spotted under the hub’s sand-blasted undulating bench.

The granddad-of-six, who wanted to remain anonymous, added: “We’ve admired the (Interpretation Centre) project– it shows the history of Sidmouth and is splendid.

“Every time we’re on the seafront we go in. It seems people are using it for all sorts.

“We were disappointed to see such a thing in such a nice place as it might deter others from the centre.”

The venue is run by Sidmouth Town Council.

“This is nothing new – we’ve had reports of people getting completely naked and using the (open fronted) showers next door,” said council chairman Stuart Hughes.

“I’m pleased there are people that really enjoy the Interpretation Centre- that’s what it’s all about whichever way you interpret it.

“Maybe someone has enjoyed it a little too much. Nothing surprises me. This sort of thing does happen.

“Whatever did happen there had to have been during the day because the place is locked up at all other times. Nobody can get in late at night.

“We’ll just have to keep our eye on it.”

The centre’s attractions have proved a turn-on for locals and tourists alike since it opened in July last year.

“I’m delighted people do use it – it’s had a lot of visitors and a good footfall,” said Councillor Hughes.

“A lot of other councils are jealous of what Sidmouth has got.”