A petition with more than 200 names has been presented to a Kingston Council committee, objecting a new massage parlour which could be built in between two Old Malden schools.

Ellen O’Connell, who lives in Manor Drive North, presented the 223-signature petition to last Wednesday’s meeting of the Maldens and Coombe neighbourhood committee.

The committee will consider whether to endorse a planning application for a massage parlour and sauna at 117 Manor Drive North, close to Richard Challoner School and Malden Manor School.

Kate Stinton, who hopes to be elected as a Conservative councillor in Old Malden in May, said: “Local people are really concerned about having this shop so close to their homes and children - it even backs onto the playing fields of Malden Manor School.”

The plans, created by New Malden businessman Sun Chul Lim, includes two therapy massage rooms, two saunas, a foot massage room and a body scrub area.