Village massage business is a hot topic of debate
A NEW business with a seriously saucy social media presence has been raising eyebrows among residents in Barwell.
Aroma Massage opened recently in a former hair salon in Chapel Street, offering a sensual experience which the Twitter ad blurb says “will just blow your mind, body and soul.”
The venture’s tweets and its website featuring raunchy pics of topless and scantily clad women with mention of “skin to skin slides” and statements such as “lust is powerful stuff our ladies are full of it” and “we do make sure you enjoy a massage that incorporates a sensual beginning as well as a very happy ending” has put the cat among the pigeons.
Perturbed people took to Streetlife to ponder the new enterprise, for better or for worse.
Some suggestion there might be other activities taking place apart from “sensual massage” seemed to be prompted by the rather racy nature of Aroma’s portrayal online.
However, despite the concern expressed, other conversation participants were largely laissez-faire about the whole business, concluding there was no legal issue nor anything publicly offensive about the premises itself.
The debate ended with Aroma posting: “Aroma is a new business specialising in aroma massage for both ladies and gentleman in a sensual environment. This is not a sex shop or an escort agency far from it and is a very discrete business and one that will be run very professionally. Hoping we can all be good neighbours and that you will support my new business venture.”
One official complaint has been lodged with Barwell Parish Council and local councillors have paid a visit.
Huw Williams said: “Barry Granger and I visited Aroma prior to a recent council meeting to assess the situation and talked to the owners about the concerns of residents expressed on Streetlife and we found that it appeared to be well run and they were even considering an open day so residents could visit and understand their business.
“I have spoken to the borough council who have expressed the belief that services advertised here are legal but were looking at whether planning regulations were being met.”
According to planning officers at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council the business does require a change of use application as it is offering different services to the previous hairdressing operation.
A borough spokesman said the proprietors had been made aware and a submission was expected.
He added: “There is no licensing required for a massage parlour and as far as any suggested alternative use for the premises that would be for the police to look into. Just because people assume things are going on doesn’t mean they are and we have no evidence anything untoward is happening. I think all the complaints have been generated by the website which is perhaps deliberately provocative just to get interest in the business.”