A YATE barber nearly threw in the hot towel when, after over two decades in business, he was notified that his shop was to be demolished.

Peter Crawford was informed of the proposed demolition of his Station Road premises in February.

Hundreds of people signed a petition protesting against plans to knock down the shop and the pub next door, to make way for a housing development, but to no avail. 

The future seemed gloomy as Mr Crawford believed that the loss of the building would “devastate” his business and the livelihood of his staff.

He said at the time: “It would be extremely difficult to move my shop elsewhere. People know who we are because of the location – moving would be like starting the business over again.” 

But, following an extensive search for ‘just the right place’, the 44-year-old barber is now back in business.

Mr Crawford found a brand new shop, just across the road from the old one, so his customers haven’t got far to go. 

Inside, the new shop is fresh, modern and stylish.

“I did most of the work myself, on my days off,” he said.

“This premises is actually much larger than the previous one. We’ve got a staff room, a kettle, a table and chairs. It’s like having a real job!

“We’d expected there to be a drop in trade, but there hasn’t been. It’s pretty much the same as before.

“The only downside is that the rent is more expensive.”

Mr Crawford’s lease includes a vacant unit next door. Anyone interested in renting the unit should pop in to the barber shop for a chat.