WESTMORE, VT — The only thing stopping city fathers in Westmore, VT, from enacting a ban on nudity at a local beach is a lack of funds to enforce an ordinance requested by Westmore residents.That may change next week, when voters will be asked to approve a $25,000 budget to pay enforcement officers.

The issue arose last summer, when homeowners around Lake Willoughby decided they’d had enough of sunbathing tourists getting a little too close to nature. The town’s Board of Selectmen considered an ordinance at that time, but concluded that without funds to support the keep-your-clothes-on effort, new regulations would be a waste of time.

The beach known as Southwest Cove has been a clothing-optional destination for decades. Westmore residents said it’s difficult to visit the area without being confronted by naturists.

“The whole thing is very disturbing,” 31-year-old Gordon Olson told television station WPTZ. “It’s primarily men who go there, and they’ll turn around and face you without trying to hide themselves.”

According to Selectman John Alexander, the “scenery” spoils the scenery.

“It’s a beautiful area, and the only thing it’s known for right now is this nude beach,” he told the TV station.