Vandalised salon ordered to remove security shutters (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Vandalised salon ordered to remove security shutters

1:07pm Friday 5th February 2010

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A HAIRDRESSING business in Darlington which spent thousands of pounds to deter vandals may have to remove its security measures.

Windows at Blades Hairdressers, Crown Street, have been smashed four times since the salon opened in July last year. On one occasion, all the mirrors inside were broken.

Owner Kevin Beattie installed security shutters at the Grade II-listed building, but Darlington Borough Council says they are not in keeping with the shopfront and wants them removed.

Members of the planning committee will be recommended on Wednesday to refuse a retrospective application.

Mr Beattie, who has been issued with an enforcement notice to remove the shutters, said he did not know what would happen to the business, which employed three people, if they are removed.

The large windows cost more than £2,000 to replace, and Mr Beattie said that if the shutters were removed, the salon might be vandalised again.

He also installed security cameras which caught an image of one of the vandals, but not of sufficient quality to identify him.

More than 160 people have signed a petition in the salon to keep the shutters, which cost nearly £1,900 to install.

Mr Beattie said: “I’m sure if we removed the shutters, the windows would be smashed again within days.

We didn’t get any old shutters. We made sure they didn’t cover the bottom of the window, and we’ve had them painted black to be in keeping with the front of the building.

“They’ve got to look nicer than having the windows boarded up.

We’re just a small business and this could put our business at risk.

“It’s put a lot of pressure on us and we’re hoping the council could have been a bit more supportive.”

A planning report to councillors states: “While officers are sympathetic to the applicant’s situation, it is not considered that in this instance this is sufficient to set aside the serious concerns regarding the unauthorised damage to the Grade II-listed building.”

The committee meets on Wednesday at 1.30pm in the town hall.

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