An Old Malden sauna has been ordered to shut down its illegal operation, after fed up residents came out in droves to protest.

Kingston Council is set to issue an enforcement order against the Forest and Ocean sauna and massage parlour, in Manor Drive North, after a petition with 223 names was handed in to the council.

Internet advertisements claimed the sauna would offer “lovely masseuses will give you great sensual massage and excellent service. We also have Sauna and Body scrub.” They denied the sauna offered a sexual service.

Manor Drive North resident Pat O’Connell, who started the petition, said: “I became very worried because I have heard the boys from the local schools have been trying to get in because it is next door to a sweet shop.

“We were concerned it was an inappropriate activity in a residential area. It should be within a fitness centre.”

The sauna, which includes two therapy massage rooms, two saunas, a foot massage room and a body scrub area, is run by Chinese businessman Sun Chul Lim.

Mr Lim also owns Forest & Ocean, a traditional Korean restaurant and karaoke bar two doors down, which nearby shop owners and residents claimed was never open, apart from late at night on Fridays and Saturdays.

One tenant of a flat above the shops in Malden Manor Parade, who did not want to be named, said: “How does this restaurant make money? It is hardly ever open.

"I only see people there at about 1am on Friday or Saturday evening, when you see Chinese people being taken home in taxis.

“The next morning the whole pavement is like a blanket of cigarette butts. It’s disgusting.”

Mr Lim, who has several business interests across London, declined to comment when contacted because of his “poor English”.

Kingston police had already complained to the council about the restaurant in 2007, opposing its application for a late-night licence because of “private rooms” being used near its rear entrance.

Simon Bate, Kingston police’s licensing officer, said: “Private rooms often prove attractive for use for purposes other than those originally intended... the rooms appear not to include tables for patrons to take a meal.”

Kate Stinton, who is hoping to be elected this May as a Conservative councillor in Old Malden, said, “This is great news and is the result of a combined effort by residents, the schools and councillors.

“We’ve shown to everyone that we didn’t want a massage parlour here, especially so close to the schools.”