Published: Thursday, 11th March, 2010 10:00am

Brothel shock for parade traders

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POLICE have closed down a brothel they say was operating above shops in

Virginia Water.

Traders in Station Parade reacted with shock this week.

Flavio Iachurti, creative director of Mova Hair And Beauty, said he had heard rumours of a brothel along the road.

He said: "When you think about Virginia Water and what it is like you wouldn't expect there to be a brothel.

"But there is a lot of money around here."

The Safer Neighbourhood police team was tipped off that alleged prostitutes were working from a property in Station Parade.

Police visited the flat on Tuesday, February 16, which is believed to have been rented out to two women from the Far East. Officers have been in contact with the owner who is now working with them to identify those responsible.

PC Elaine Bryant, Neighbourhood Specialist Office for Virginia Water, said: "I am delighted that we have successfully closed the brothel found at this address.

"It is thanks to the intelligence given by local residents that we have been made aware of situation and have been able to close the premises."

Jodie Maunder, sales assistant at Posh Boutique, said: "There are a lot of families with young children and there is a real family community. I have got a son and if I lived in Virginia Water I would be quite upset because it's not acceptable."

Annie Elvin, senior sales negotiator at Chancellors in Station Parade, said: "You never really know what goes on but it's not something you want to be going on around here at all."

PC Bryant said she hoped residents are reassured after the closure of the suspected brothel to make Virginia Water a safer and more enjoyable place to live.