Furore over massage parlour plans

Mr Evens says there is a demand for a parlour and agency

People living in Cornwall say they are worried about plans for a massage parlour and escort agency in a residential area.

Angry residents in Liskeard want the local council to reject the application by a Devon businessman.

But Marc Evens from Plymouth has said it would be a discreet and a professionally-run business.

He said strict security would ensure there were no problems for residents living nearby.

Business concerns

Mr Evens has applied for planning permission for the change of use of the building in Higher Lux Street to provide full body relaxation massage and an office and reception for escort booking and appointments.

Kate Foster, who lives next to the proposed site, said she was disgusted and worried about her three young children.

She told BBC News: "The two eldest are old enough to know what's going on there and I don't want them hearing it or seeing it, especially at night."

The plan has also been criticised by a local businesswoman.

Tracey Frewer, who runs the Hotel Nebula in Liskeard, believes an escort agency and massage parlour would upset customers and be bad for the business.

"I'm no fuddy-duddy and I know things go on behind closed doors", Ms Fewer said. "But if it's a commercial business, you're profiting from what's going to go."

Market research

Mr Evens has denied local residents would have anything to worry about.

"My proposal is to turn it into a massage parlour and escort agency which would deal with a business clientele who wish to have that little bit extra - a private massage by some pretty girls", he said.

"It will be an up-market establishment run by security and management staff. There will be no problems and no-one will know what's going on in there.

"It will be appointments only and there will be CCTV entry and a manager there at all times to secure the building."

Mr Evens said he had carried out market research in the area and that the research found that there was a demand for his proposals.

Local residents are organising a petition calling on the local council to reject the planning application.

A spokeswoman for Caradon District Council said she was aware of the application, but the council would not comment on any application until it had been before the planning committee.