PORTLANDERS are up in arms about a new massage parlour planned for the island.

Residents and traders in Fortuneswell have vowed to fight proposals for the new business after an application was made to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to set it up opposite the Royal British Legion club.

The application has been made by Chunfang Wang, a Chinese woman from Bath Street in Weymouth who is hoping to run a business that will become a ‘valued’ part of the community.

The mayor of Portland Ian Munro-Price, of Red House estate agents, is selling Brian Dennehy’s carpet shop where she plans to open.

But traders argue they do not want a massage parlour close to their homes and businesses.

Jill Diggens, landlady of the Royal Portland Arms, will be next door if it goes ahead.

“All my neighbours are furious,” she said. “I’m objecting to this as I don’t want a massage parlour next door to my pub and in this residential area.”

The planning application has gone out to public consultation until August 3 with Mrs Wang looking to divide the shop into screened off treatment areas.

Glenn Chadwick, owner of Second Time Around, an electrical retail shop, will also become a neighbour.

He said: “Why call it a massage parlour instead of a beauty salon? It’s very concerning as Fortuneswell seems a very strange place to set up a massage parlour. I expect it will only be here for the duration of the Olympics.”

Carol Shearn, bar manager at the Royal British Legion, laughed at the idea and believes the new business will be named the ‘Olympic Massage Parlour’.

She said: “This is quite an old-fashioned community and it is right opposite the British Legion. It seems a bit out of place here.

“It seems weird that they decide to open with the Olympics around the corner.”

Brian Dennehy put the ground floor of 42 Fortuneswell on sale through Red House as he plans to semi retire – continuing a home service for his regular customers. He was told of Mrs Wang’s interest within weeks and the property has been sold subject to contract.

Mr Dennehy said he does not want to upset his neighbours but wants to give Mrs Wang the chance to go through the planning process.

He said: “I feel it should go through the planning procedure properly so people can make up their own minds.

“I want to be fair to everybody. I’m very sensitive to local opinion and I don’t want to upset anybody but Mrs Wang is entitled to a fair chance.”