Sex book at public exchange causes outrage among Pitton villagers

The raunchy discovery was found alongside the more traditional titles of Thomas the Tank Engine and Ruby Redfort at the local lending library.

Its presence has kicked up a stir in the chocolate box village of Pitton after a dog walker found 'The Art of Sexual Ecstasy' while perusing the shelves.

The local, who wishes to remain anonymous, had stopped at the exchange spot when he saw the book had been deposited 'thoughtlessly' where children can browse.

Just 729 people live in the village, which dates back to Roman times and boasts homes with thatched roofs and average house prices of more than £600,000.

But locals are at loggerheads about whether the publication - which highlights the importance of Middle Eastern Tantra teachings - should be so easily accessible to people of all ages.

Children use the Pitton book exchange. (Image: Solent News)

Speaking after his discovery, the concerned local said: "We have a new bus shelter and during Covid it became a lending library where people could swap jigsaws and books," he said.

He was outraged when he found Margot Anand's 1989 'The Art of Sexual Ecstasy: The Path of Sacred Sexuality for Western Lovers'.

The French author's work highlights the teaching of Tantra - which Police singer's Sting boasted was the reason for long sex sessions with his wife.

"It's not pornography, it's sort of all about the joy of sex," he continued.

"[But] the bus stop is used by local kids, it's a pick up point for local school buses - it just feel inappropriate that people would leave it there.

"There’s nothing wrong with the book in an adult environment, but to leave it somewhere where a youngster might be wanting Thomas the Tank Engine."

He said he wanted people to 'think' about what they leave before they 'just leave anything'.

"It's thoughtless rather than malicious," he continued.

"The book is all very arty with diagrams and text but I really didn’t spend that long looking at it.

"You would probably buy someone it for a wedding present as a best man as a joke."

After removing the book and throwing it away, He took his criticism online, where his social media post caused a stir as other residents suggested youngsters would see far worse online.

To this, he said: "That's possible.

"But what they get on their phone is a different thing altogether.

"What if one of those kids was being abused and is already vulnerable?"

Villagers are at loggerheads over the discovery. (Image: Solent News)

Of the backlash, he said: "I was surprised adults didn't care.

"If you decide to have that book in your house, that's fine, that's your house.

"But by leaving it there you are making the decision for other people's parents."

However, Alan Crooks, 71, from nearby Laverstock, said: "I think it's a non-issue.

"If it was a pornographic with nasty sexual activities then that would be one thing.

"It seems a more romantic kind of thing.

"It doesn't seem as though it's going to be harmful."

The former science teacher and grandfather of three said he was more worried about brutal violence youngsters watch and read about.

"I'm much more concerned about graphic violence, bloodshed and gory content on these cops and robbers shows," he added.

Bill Richards wrote: "I think the concerns are misplaced.

"Kids probably saw it and had a good giggle.

"They know far more about sex than many give them credit for - I understand the intention of the poster but it’s not quite the issue they’re making it out to be."

Joanna Percival commented: "I think there are people out there who still have little connection to their sexuality and that sometimes a book read at a random time can open doors privately for a stuck person."