A BROTHEL reported to the council and police last month is still operating as an illegal massage service.

Police and Southend Council launched an investigation after the Echo reported the Ab Fab massage service, in London Road, Westcliff, was operating as a brothel.

Residents living near the premises reported a steady stream of men calling at the property and causing disturbances.

Three weeks later, they are still having to put up with antisocial behaviour from men lurking about, knocking on the wrong doors looking for sex.

The council ordered the business to stop operating as a massage parlour as it was unlicensed and, therefore, had not been inspected by officers.

However, it is still advertising its services as “English mature lovelies for the discerning gentleman”

and still calls itself Ab Fab massage service.

A resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I’m sorry to say there has been no change.

“They continue to work from the premises and we still have a constant stream of men arriving at all hours.

“I did receive confirmation from a councillor the premises is not licensed, and Southend Council would not give a licence to such an operation. Why they are allowing it to carry on when it is not licensed is frustrating and rather confusing.”

The resident added: “Even if the premises had a licence, it is still breaking the law by providing sexual services.

“As there is more than one girl working from the premises, it is classed as a brothel. It is committing an offence under the sexual offences act, as it is controlling prostitution for gain."

However, the council says while it is committed to seeing the closure of the premises, it has done what it legally can and the matter is now in the hands of police.

Ian Gilbert, councillor responsible for community development, said: “We were grateful to local residents for bringing this matter to our attention.

“The council has nowdone all it can. Operating a brothel is illegal and a matter for the police investigation, which the council will continue to support.”

It is alleged at least two girls work there daily, alongside a maid/receptionist.

The girls all offer sexual services.

A friend of one of the women, who had worked at the premises, said girls were paid a fraction of the money charged and conditions were terrible, with filthy carpets and rooms.

Speaking to the Echo last month, a woman who wouldn’t give her name, but claimed to be the owner of the massage parlour, claimed to be licensed by the council.

She said: “It’s all above board and I have very nice, regular gentlemen.”

Police say they have launched an investigation. A spokesman said: "We continue to urge the public to contact us with details of any criminal activity they believe to be going on inside this property or any others in Southend.

"They can speak to officers at Southend via Essex Police 101 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”