Sex workers reject red light zone

Prostitutes have used the Millbay area for generations

Prostitutes have rejected a Plymouth MP's call for a new "managed" red light zone in the city.

Labour MP Linda Gilroy made the suggestion following the end of council consultation on the issue.

It comes as some residents in parts of the city call for action to stop their areas becoming new red light districts.

The English Collective of Prostitutes said forcing women into zones would be unworkable and did not tackle the causes of prostitution.

Linda Gilroy could spend her time better considering how to alleviate the causes of prostitution such as domestic violence and poverty Cari Mitchell

Residents in Mutley Plain fear that their streets could be used by prostitutes as the traditional red light area around Millbay is redeveloped for upmarket housing.

Ms Gilroy said: "They haven't got a prostitution problem at the moment, but they are worried that as Millbay is redeveloped it will move up there.

"We should be able to do it in a managed way, a way which takes it away from anyone's back yard.

"It could put it into the area of light industrial estates - somewhere that doesn't impinge on people's daytime way of life as well."

Domestic violence

Cari Mitchell of the English Collective of Prostitutes, told BBC News: "We are very much against forcing women to work in specified areas.

"Ms Gilroy is proposing to put property developers above those of the women who have worked there for generations.

"She could spend her time better considering how to alleviate the causes of prostitution such as domestic violence and poverty."