Sordid sex spot

Internet sites boast how couples from all over the south travel to the town at night and gather in the car park at the top of Honeysuckle Lane, High Salvington (pictured), plus Cissbury Ring and Goring Gap, to watch people having sex - and sometimes join in.

Although most of the "activity" happens at night, some of the sites advertise "lunchtime sessions", too. Innocent daytime users of the beauty spots include ramblers and dog walkers. Youngsters with Scouting groups and school parties are also known to use the High Salvington car park.

One High Salvington resident, who did not want to be named, said they were aware of what went on in the car park at Honeysuckle Lane.

"I did not realise the site was so well advertised on the internet.

"I am sure that a lot of local residents who did not know about it would not be surprised to hear the area is used for this sort of thing because it is deserted and out of the way of everything else.

"It is a bit sordid to think that sort of thing is going on but what can be done about it? There is not a lot of reason for people to be up there at night and I think local people just steer clear of it when it gets dark."

Richard Waller, chairman of Goring Residents' Association, said he was not aware of a problem at Goring Gap. He said four years ago the toilets at the end of The Plantation in Goring were being used "inappropriately" but he was unaware of any current problems.

The Herald investigation revealed that many of the internet sites gave precise descriptions for the locations and what could be expected when someone arrived at the scene. Some even seem to encourage "flashing", which is illegal, and invite people to list other locations they know of and recommend.

Locations on the internet included the three Worthing ones, plus ones near Arundel and Littlehampton, too.

Police said this week they had not received any complaints from residents or organisations about the "activities" but, if a complaint was made and the people were caught, they could be prosecuted for offences against public decency. Acting Chief

Inspector Martin Pattenden said: "This is not a matter about which we have received any complaints but I would ask people to behave responsibly and remind them that these open spaces are for everybody and people's behaviour should reflect that."