A BARRAGE of protests against plans to operate a brothel close to a primary school, could prove to be victorious.

A planning application for a New Ferry aromatherapy and massage centre were initially earmarked for approval, but this week councillors look set to refuse the proposals after hundreds of complaints.

In February, the Globe revealed that a raid at the premises in 2005 led to arrests for keeping a disorderly house.

And residents living close-by gathered a 130-name petition against the adult activities that are in operation from the Bebington Road site.

Teachers, parents and residents won the support of South Wirral MP Ben Chapman who fear that the massage parlour would be too close to Grove Street Primary School and will have a detrimental effect on the area and town centre.

Merseyside Police are also against the proposal and a local police inspector confirmed that it is a point of public record that the property is being used unlawfully as a brothel.

The report which will come before councillors at a planning committee meeting this Thursday says: "Police have revealed that illegal activities are occurring at the premises and whilst the application was initially recommended for approval, the level of objection undoubtedly highlights an element of dissatisfaction amongst local people and many take offence to the illicit activities."

It added: "The use has resulted in an unacceptable level of nuisance and it has detracted significantly from neighbouring amenity.

"It is for this reason along with the overriding public interest that the application is being recommended for refusal."

Ben Chapman MP said: "I welcome the news that, following the objections lodged by myself and others, the planning application has been recommended for refusal. I am fully supportive of attempts to improve the area and am against anything that could harm the regeneration of the area.

"If this application had been successful, it could have acted as a deterrent on prospective developers or future shop owners who would not wish to be alongside such premises."