AN MP is calling for an investigation into a "health club" where prostitutes are offering sex for sale.

The club, in a room above shops in Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge, is only yards away from the constituency office of Bolton North East Labour MP David Crausby. It is also alongside a bus stop which is used daily by dozens of schoolchildren, and Mr Crausby has asked police to investigate.

He said: "It is just not acceptable. The entrance is in an alleyway right next to a main road.

"I have received a number of complaints from constituents and have raised this issue with Bolton police's new chief superintendent, Don Brown."

The club -- called Secrets of Bolton -- is also close to more than 20 homes in Holland Street. Many residents only learned of the club's existence after its owners advertised in a Sunday newspaper.

When a Bolton Evening News reporter phoned the club, he was offered sexual favours for between £45 and £55. A woman who answered the phone said she had two girls available.

It is not known how long the club has been open, but shopkeepers on Blackburn Road said they had seen men visiting for weeks.

There are no signs above the club's outer door, although a spy camera was sited inside the hallway to view customers arriving.

Astley Bridge councillor Hilary Fairclough has also called for an investigation.

She said: "People do not want this next to their homes. It is also near a number of local schools. I'm sure teachers will be shocked."

The occupiers of the club, which says it offers massages, said they did not want to make any comment to the Bolton Evening News.

A senior police officer confirmed his officers were investigating the activities being undertaken at the address.

Supt Kevin Mulligan, of Astley Bridge police, said: "If massage parlours are not bothering residents or businesses in an area and are not engaged in exploiting young girls, then they represent a low priority to the police.

"Street prostitution and child prostitution are the main issues that we face.

"However, we are aware of this matter and are investigating ways to address the concerns of residents."