Few park visitors would object to cutting back overgrown bushes. But to some members of the gay community, the undergrowth at a popular Bristol beauty spot is something to be protected.

Plans to clear the shrub land were proposed three years ago by the Downs Committee, which manages the park's maintenance.

They followed complaints by some visitors to the area about 'inappropriate sexual activity' and safety concerns in the area.

But during the consultation period 'Equalities' concerns were raised by the council's Rainbow Group - an action group of lesbian, gay and bisexual council employees - about the threat to gay rights.

Bristol City Council officials were then forced to consult with the police and gay rights group the Terence Higgins Trust to ensure there was no discrimination.

Yesterday the council's Head of Parks Peter Wilkinson said: '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 Terence 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.'

The dramatic Avon Gorge is an area home to various species of rare plants and wildlife, but councillors said it had become overgrown over the past 20 years.

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

The £20,000 five-year maintenance scheme was approved in January 2007 and work to remove the bushes will begin in the next three months.

Yesterday Tory councillor Peter Abraham hit out at the anti-gay accusations as 'offensive'.
He said: '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 scrub land 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 Rainbow Group refused to comment yesterday but said they stood by the comments made in the report.

A spokeswoman for Bristol City Council said the five-year maintenance programme would go ahead.

She 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 the cut down shrubbery and trees, and we are continuing with that work as planned and agreed.'

Police said those having outdoor sex in the area could face criminal charges, and any formal complaints about it would be investigated.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset force said: 'Unfortunately there is a minority of people who partake in sexual acts in public places in certain areas which are not only against the law but are also offensive to members of the public.'

The HIV charity, the Terence 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 in the area of the Downs where people were engaging in outdoor sex.

And last year four fire fighters were disciplined for allegedly disturbing a group of men at night by shining their torches into the bushes.

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

Source: Mail