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Alton Towers bans skimpy speedos
Ben Bailey10.08.09
Major tourist attraction Alton Towers has banned Speedos and other types of tight swimming trunks at its Staffordshire site on grounds of taste.
The trunks are favoured by the likes of Rod Stewart and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.
But it seems Alton Towers' bosses cannot stomach the types of swimwear that have featured at their waterpark, reckoning them "more suited to Spain than Staffordshire".
The company said today that a number of men had been sporting tight trunks during the hot weather.
It went on: "To prevent embarrassment among fellow members of the public and to maintain the family friendly atmosphere at the resort, bosses have taken the extreme measure of banning these tight trunks from their popular waterpark located within the Splash Landings Hotel.
"While women may hail the return of the skimpy bathers, the style itself is not deemed public or family friendly, and therefore we are requesting that male swimmers wear more appropriate styles such as boardshorts. The resort is also considering introducing mandatory bikini waxing for men, in a bid to prevent unsightly hair from being on display."
Alton Towers Resort sales and marking director Morwenna Angove said "We feel this small brief style is not appropriate for a family venue so we are advising male bathers to wear more protective swimwear such as shorts."
"We are also looking into offering complimentary male waxing, which will ensure preserve the dignity of all our guests."
Reader views (2)
Why has this style of costume suddenly become unnacceptable? What exactly is offensive about the male body any more than the female body? I have worn this style of costume all my life (I am a fit 72 year old) as did my father before me and it was never ever questioned. This is the only style suitable for exercise swimming which I do every day. This sounds like some form of prudery, possibly having a pseudo-religious origin. Who exactly at Alton Towers has made this decision and is it legal for them to do so? What is next - banning swimming from the the Olympics on the grounds of public decency? Give me strength!!!
- Rob, Burgess Hill UK
Quite the reverse of France then, where "Speedo" type cossies are mandatory in all public pools for elfensafety reasons - you won't get away with our usual "boxer-type" shorts over there.
- Brian, London
