A ROW has erupted between two groups of naturists following allegations members of the club had damaged some grass.

Lakeland Outdoor Club, which rents a field at Haverigg Haws for the use of its members, has been split in two after a number of members were thrown out of it.

One of the evicted members, Russell Davies, said he could not understand why his membership had been revoked.

“The club are saying myself and about 10 other members have damaged the grass in the field,” the 52-year-old said.

“They said because a caravan had been there it’s damaged the grass.

“They’ve come up with this trumped-up charge but we haven’t done anything; the people who are running the club want us out for whatever reason.”

Mr Davies, from Wigton, said one woman who has been barred from the club had been a member for 40 years.

The two groups faced each other in a confrontation by the club’s field which was filmed by one of the barred members.

The field is within the boundary of a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The former members are set to hold a protest outside Millom Rugby Club tomorrow at 1pm where the remaining club members are meeting for their annual general meeting.

Mr Davies, who has been a member of the club for four years, said although membership had fallen from a peak of 75 there was still a lot of interest in the concept of naturism.

“People come from all over the country to our site,” he said.

“It’s just about freedom really; we come into this world naked.

“There’s no pressure or prejudice, no judging based on what you wear, everyone is on an equal playing field.”

Membership to Lakeland Outdoor Club costs £30 for an individual and £50 for a couple.

Non-members can visit the site for £8 per day which includes overnight camping or caravanning.

A spokesman for the club declined to comment on the row and said that as naturists they preferred to keep the matter private.