CAMPAIGNERS have hit out at local newspapers which they say are fuelling the exploitation of vulnerable women by running ‘personal services’ advertisements.

The St Albans Review, along with its publisher Newsquest’s other 304 titles nationwide, took the lead in banning all "adult" advertisements in July 2008 after being persuaded of a clear link between the ads and women trafficked for sex.

But eight months on many local newspapers - including The Herts Advertiser and Welwyn Hatfield Times - continue to take money from such advertisements.

Bishop of Hertford Christopher Foster said: "It is now over nine months since the Newsquest group of newspapers banned personal services ads in its titles –a move which The Right Reverend Christopher Herbert commended before his retirement as Bishop of St Albans last year.

“I share his view. Since Newquest took its ethical stance, at least one other major newspaper owner has joined the three our four who recognise that these ads can support sex-trafficking. I call on all newspaper owners who have yet to take this step to keep in tune with the prevailing mood and to ban these ads in their titles. I also ask that the public look at where newspapers stand on this issue when they place advertisements in them."

A spokesman from the Poppy Project, a charity that helps women trafficked into prostitution, added: “We were delighted last year when Newsquest decided to withdraw ‘adult services’ advertisements from its newspapers.

“It is not acceptable in the 21st century that women’s bodies can be bought and sold and even less acceptable that local businesses are benefitting financially from this continued exploitation of women in the sex industry.”

Detective Superintendent Mark Drew said: "Hertfordshire Constabulary have commended the Newsquest group of newspapers that includes the Watford Observer and the Review group in Hertfordshire, for their decision to no longer accept such adverts in their newspapers - a brave decision, especially as we are aware that in these difficult financial times they are forgoing a not inconsiderable sum of advertising revenue.

"We do not believe that Hertfordshire has a significant problem with prostitution or people trafficking, however if any body has any concerns or information they would like to give us on this they can call the Constabulary on 0845 33 00 222 or if they wish to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A report into the sex industry, commissioned by Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, shows more than 40 per cent of men who access off-street prostitutes do so through the local media.

Campaigners say about 85 per cent of the women working as off-street prostitutes in London are not UK nationals, and the vast majority are trafficked.

They warn off-street brothels contain women and girls from around the world who have been lured from their homes with the promise of a better life. Once in the UK many are kept as prisoners and are exposed to intimidation and physical violence that often includes rape.

The Review has asked Archant Press, owner of The Herts Advertiser and Welwyn Hatfield Times, to comment on its policy of accepting adult services advertisements. So far, no comment has been received.