Fury over the 3am swingers’ parties at Sexmoor hotel
AT first glance, this secluded, rural getaway appears just the place for some hard-earned rest and relaxation.
But guests visiting Croydon Hall should come prepared for, well, a little less rest – after it became home to a private club hosting all-night sex parties.
Neighbours have complained of sleepless nights and ‘utterly unacceptable suffering’ after the hotel in Exmoor started holding wild swingers’ parties – with tickets said to be priced at £80.
The newly-restored hall is home to Exclusively Silks, a membersonly club aiming to provide ‘fun, passion and pure indulgence’ for ‘classy, sophisticated couples and single ladies’.
But clearly the fun is not enjoyed by all, as residents of the Somerset village of Rodhuish – which has a population of 293 – claim their quality of life is being ruined by guests ‘spilling out into the gardens and pool’ at night.
The Exmoor National Park Authority’s planning department is now investigating the hotel to see whether its new use breaches planning permission.
Head of planning Dean Kinsella said: ‘The alleged breach is that the building is being used for a mixed use as a hotel and private members’ club.
‘We are in the process of preparing an enforcement notice, as we consider that a change of use of the hotel has occurred.’
The row erupted after Exclusively Silks operator Allen McCloud angered locals by applying to extend the club’s alcohol licence from midnight until 4am – except on Sundays.
He later changed this to 3am following discussions with Avon and Somerset Police.
The club, which according to its website wants guests to feel ‘safe, special and sexy’, imposes a dress code after 10.30pm requiring women to wear ‘ sexy lingerie, babydoll, bodystocking, lace, suspenders’ and men to put on ‘boxers, underwear, t-shirt’. A report to Somerset West and Taunton Council’s licensing subcommittee says: ‘The hotel is marketed as hosting group sex/swingers’ parties for the Exclusively Silks group, which are usually advertised as taking place into the early hours of the morning.’
Locals have objected to the proposals, which will be discussed by the council committee next week.
Vivien Irwin said the licence would lead to ‘drunken drivers, after eight hours of alcohol, driving through country lanes, villages and [along the] A39’.
David and Anne Pitts added: ‘We know from bitter experience with the previous owner that DJ music, with thumping bass, permeates every corner of our houses, making sleep impossible. People spill out into the gardens, the pool and the car park, with increasingly drunken exchanges – shouting, singing, even fights.’
And Susan Brierley claimed up to 80 cars could arrive on a given evening, leaving ‘in the early hours of the morning when neighbours are trying to sleep’. ‘There is not space for 80 cars, so additional parking would be in the lane by our houses,’ she added.
It is understood that Mr McCloud met locals in January to discuss their concerns about the venue, which has submitted five applications for temporary events since the start of the year.