A beauty salon due to open in Yate has been selected as the new Bristol HD training academy and will start operating as soon as current lockdown restrictions for non-essential businesses are lifted.

SoBrows by Sofia in North Walk, Yate Shopping Centre was due to open on February, 14 but due to the current situation has been delayed.

Sofia Galloppa, owner of SoBrows by Sofia said: “It’s been all hands to the deck for the past few weeks getting both the salon and training centre fully fitted out. Now its fingers crossed that we can open soon so that we can start trading and using the new training centre.

“It’s been my lifetime ambition to open my own salon and it’s so exciting to know that, hopefully, we will shortly be able to open the doors to start trading and get the training schedules underway.”

Andrew Lowrey, Yate Shopping Centre Manager, said: “This is great news for Sofia and her team but very frustrating that progress is hindered by the current situation. Obviously, all businesses will have their eyes and ears pinned to what the Prime Minister might say next Monday.

“It is hoped that there might be a glimmer of hope for all the centre’s non-essential businesses and they can start trading again, even with social distancing restrictions in place.”

When open, the salon will employ four full time staff and will offer a range of beauty treatments specialising in HD, hair extensions and aesthetics.