Cut it out! Town hits out at 14th barbershop plan

A BID to open another barbershop in a small Welsh town has raised concerns about sustainability from local traders and residents.

- ELLIE GOSLEY

A new application has been submitted the change of use of 64 Hannah Street from an amusement arcade to a barber's.

According to the local chamber of trade, there are already 13 barbers or hairdressers in Porth's town centre, all of which are within around a 0.3-mile radius or six-minute walk from each other.

There are concerns from businesses and local residents that this could result in the Valleys town being overrun with barbershops, causing problems for the businesses already on the high street.

The Porth and District Chamber of Trade has written a formal objection to the planning application, explaining that it would be "detrimental" if it were to go ahead.

Dan Parry, who is the vice-chair of the chamber of trade, said businesses were worried that there wasn't enough clientele for so many businesses offering barber services in a small town.