MP condemns the arrival of ‘swingers’ scene in town

Oct 12 2007 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

THE arrival of a new “swingers” event in Southport was last night described as “a depressing development” by the town’s MP.

Lib-Dem John Pugh spoke out as it was revealed the town’s Victoria pub will host a “swinging” event later this month.

And the Daily Post can reveal that a new venue in Liverpool city centre is also about to open, joining an already established place in Wirral – to the horror of some MPs and churchmen.

The swinger events draw people from all walks of life.

The swinger scene – where couples join private clubs to engage in sex with different partners – now appears to be starting to take root on Merseyside.

Although such clubs have tended to keep a low profile in the past, they are now becoming increasingly open, with dedicated websites.

Between 200 and 300 swingers are expected to attend the launch night of the Thrills and Spills club at the Victoria pub on Southport’s promenade on October 27.

The evening will have a Halloween theme and will feature an underground dungeon as well as “swinging games”. There will also be a live DJ, buffet, and licensed bar.

Mr Pugh said it was a “depressing development”. He added: “I think it will give a tacky aspect to what is a prospering seafront, and it is something we don’t need.

“The worry is that people will be tempted and relationships and marriage will suffer.”

The Southport swingers’ club charges a fee.

The promoter, Joe Bleacher, was unrepentant.

He said: “Southport has moved forward.

“It’s got a pole-dancing place, two gay bars, and an adult shop.

“While I accept a swingers’ club can cause controversy, there is a market for it. Those who condemn it need to be looking at the violence on the street, rather than what consenting adults are doing behind closed doors.”

Mr Bleacher’s previous activities have included staging “ice-cream wrestling” for stag and hen parties in Blackpool.

He said of his latest venture: “We aim to provide a setting where like-minded people from all over the North West can meet up and enjoy an evening.

“No-one will be naked.

“They will all be in fancy dress. However, accommodation at a hotel is included in the price for like-minded adults to engage in like-minded consensual activities.

“I am hoping to get the club going on a weekly basis.

“It’s an experience between people, rather than an orgy.”

A spokesman for the Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool said: “The wisdom of the Gospel maintains that marriage and family are best served by reliable love and unswerving fidelity.

“Such values may only be found within marriage, and not in situations which promote promiscuity.”

alanweston