Villagers have formed a campaign group to get a nearby swingers club closed down.

The over 18s Hamshaw club in Scaynes Hill, near Haywards Heath, is advertised as an adult health spa, but local visitors claimed people watched pornography and took part in orgies.

Mid Sussex District Council has ordered the club, also known as the Brighton Sun Club, to stop their pole dancing events as it does not have the required public entertainment licence.

The club, in Sloop Lane, will now have to publicly advertise for the licence but can continue to hold swinging events, which are not illegal.

The club's management refused to comment but its web site offers extensive advice about swinging, swinging etiquette and safe sex.

Dozens of nearby residents have made complaints to the council and have now formed a committee to protest against the club.

Arron Newbury, 41, an agricultural engineer, of Nash Lane, Scaynes Hill, said: "They have classed themselves as an adult health spa but it is little more than a glorified brothel.

"My wife and I went believing it was simply a naturist park, which it used to be years ago, but we saw people watching pornography and having sex all over the place. People were having sex in the jacuzzi, the steam room, the woods outside.

"There are these play rooms where people invite you in and the pole dancer was explicit to say the least.

"We couldn't believe it. My wife was in tears when we left. We pay a lot of money in council tax and we do not want a sex club in our community."

Geraldine Ratcliffe, 33, a housewife, of Lewes Road, Scaynes Hill, said: "I went with my husband believing it was a health spa and he couldn't get me out of there quick enough. It was absolutely disgusting. It was like a brothel.

"We certainly didn't stay very long. We couldn't believe there was a place like this on our own doorstep."

The club's web site boasts eight acres of wooded trails, a 30-person jacuzzi, 30-person sauna, 30-person turkish steam bath, outdoor pool and extensive play rooms.

Mr Newbury added: "When they try to get their licence there will be serious objections because we really don't want this club in our area. A lot of residents have been meeting at the nearby Sloop pub to voice our concerns. We will protest against this.

"Residents are appalled that such an establishment should still be allowed to operate within this very picturesque village."

Martin Burrekoven-Kalve, spokesman for the district council, said: "A couple of weeks ago we made an unannounced inspection during the evening. We found nothing that contravened the licences except for one matter but we are satisfied with their health and safety and food standards.

"However, aside from their premises licence they require a public entertainment licence because they provide pole dancing and they also play recorded music.

"They did not have that licence in place and said they were unaware they needed it. We have instructed them not to permit further dancing until the public entertainment licence is in place.

"That is the extent of our statutory powers. We have kept our partner organisations, such as the local police, informed of these developments."

Chief Inspector Robin Smith, of Mid Sussex District Police, said: "We were recently made aware of the premises and are working with the licensing authorities."