The pool, which stands next to a major road in the centre of Cambridge, has been hired by a naturists' club for a series of sessions.

Pool owners Cambridge City Council only agreed to let the club in if the glass sides were obscured.

Officials feared passing drivers would be distracted by the sight of naturists swimming.

The problem of motorists and passers-by being distracted was something which we had to consider before we agreed John Roebuck, Cambridge City Council

Club Soleil, the naturist group which is hiring the pool, has agreed to cover the sides up to a height of two metres.

Both club organiser Norman Calvert and John Roebuck, head of parks and recreation at Cambridge City Council, said they did not foresee any problems.

"The problem of motorists and passers-by being distracted was something which we had to consider before we agreed to the hire," said Mr Roebuck.

"The pool is unusual in that it has glass sides and is in a very prominent position in Cambridge.

'No problems'

"It is quite a way back from the road but people walking past can see in and are naturally attracted by the light.

"But we could not see any problem with the naturist club using the pool providing the windows are covered."

Mr Calvert, who has been running 150-strong Club Soleil for more than six years, said he did not anticipate any problems.

He insisted: "We obviously don't want people staring in, but I honestly don't think there will be any problem."