A MASSAGE parlour has lost its licence after being suspected of selling sex.

Carlton Spa was set up in Carlton Parade, Orpington, in January last year as a massage parlour with a steam room, sauna and whirlpool bath.

According to the licensing team the owners spent a lot of money to make sure the premises met all the requirements to get a massage and special treatment licence and Bromley Council got the impression it intended to operate legally.

But the council's environmental health and trading standards department acted in January after nearby residents said women working there were selling sexual services.

Licensing committee chairman Tony Owen said: "Council officers and police presented evidence after visiting the establishment themselves and from a private investigator.

"This enabled the sub-committee to use its powers to refuse the licence."

The investigator's report said one of the women offered him "any service you want" and told him "we do what we want when we are alone with clients".

His report also says the massage was done while the woman was wearing an extremely short white dress, with her bust and bra exposed.

The spa's website boasts of "four sexy girls available every day", swingers and Christmas parties are advertised and the price list says "prices do not include any girl's extras".

There are also reviews of some of the women on a site where men can describe their experiences during visits, with one saying: "These girls put on a fab show before turning their talents on me."

Licensing officer Laurie Weeks said: "The type of women they were advertising did not have many clothes on and they were talking about their physical attributes and their size and nationality.

"People who visit can describe what they experience when they went there and there is the inference they service their every need."

In a letter from Bromley Police, licensing officer PC Andrew Waddington wrote: "It is quite clear the premises are being used for immoral purposes and sexual encounters are taking place."

Members of the council's licensing sub-committee refused to renew the licence on August 31.

Carlton Spa has 21 days to appeal against Bromley Council's decision.

Owner Paul Chapman said: "Carlton Spa is a respectable establishment and no sex is offered by any of the masseuses working here.

"The website is a new thing and was designed and set up by a third party and I have not contributed to it.

"The girls pictured on the site are girls who do swingers parties which is run by a third party too and not at these premises.

"I am running a decent establishment and following all the correct procedures and getting victimised."

He claimed the police and fire brigade reported no problems after a visit and said they would not be opposing the licence.