Plans to remove bushes from beauty spot spark discrimination claims - as they are popular gay haunts

Most visitors to a popular beauty spot would welcome overgrown bushes being cut back.

But a council had to tread carefully after being told that to some members of the gay community, the dense undergrowth was something to be protected.

Removing it would discriminate against the gay men who use the area for outdoor sex, campaigners claimed.

Visitors to the Downs near Bristol's spectacular Avon Gorge have complained about the 'inappropriate sexual activity', which can be punishable by up to six months in prison.

Despite this, the city council was forced to consult gay rights groups about their concerns over its plan to clear away the bushes to improve the scenery and protect rare wildlife.

Tory councillor Peter Abraham said yesterday: 'How can it be discriminatory to clear land that might stop what is an illegal practice?

'We need to manage the Downs properly. For a long time we have been told that the scrubland needs to be opened up.

'I find it offensive to suggest that by taking this action  -  which might stop people collecting to carry out what some might describe as illegal acts and certainly offensive behaviour  -  you are being discriminatory.'

The Downs are home to various species of rare plants and wildlife, but parts have become overgrown over the past two decades.

Thick bushes cover the secluded area next to Circular Road, where men are frequently seen cruising for sexual partners.

Plans to clear the land were proposed three years ago and put out to consultation, which included considering the views of the Rainbow Group of lesbian, gay and bisexual council staff.

A report on the plans states: 'As part of the consultation, concerns were expressed by the council's lesbian-gay and bisexual group (and a small number of other consultees) that this action was potentially discriminating against gay and bisexual men whose activities on this part of the Downs were objected to by other members of the local community and Downs users.'

Council officials then had to consult the police and HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust to ensure there was no discrimination.

 Peter Abraham: 'It's offensive'

Peter Wilkinson, Bristol City Council's head of parks, said yesterday: 'The general public are unhappy about people taking part in lewd behaviour in public spaces, whether it's between men and women or people of the same sex.

'We are working together with the Terrence Higgins Trust to make sure any work we will do is sensitive.

'We're making sure people know what we are doing so we are not seen to be discriminating.'

Work to remove the bushes as part of a £20,000 five-year maintenance scheme approved in January 2007 will begin in the next three months.

The Rainbow Group refused to comment yesterday, but said it stood by the comments made in the report.

A spokesman for Bristol City Council said: 'The Downs management committee, like all good landlords, agreed a programme of maintenance for the trees and shrubbery on Circular Road.

'At the time of the consultation some members of the Rainbow Group expressed concerns it could be potentially discriminating.

'Part of these plans is to cut down shrubbery and trees and we are continuing with that work as planned and agreed.'

Avon and Somerset Police said those having outdoor sex in the area could face criminal charges and any formal complaints about such activity would be investigated.

The Terrence Higgins Trust said it was in talks with the police and the council over the issue and did not yet want to comment.

The trust has been criticised in the past for handing out free condoms on the Downs.

Last year four firefighters were disciplined for allegedly disturbing a group of men at night by shining their torches into the bushes on the Downs.

After complaints that their actions were homophobic, the four senior officers from Avon Fire Service were fined and transferred to other stations.