HAIR salons in Northwich are celebrating after the Prime Minister announced the current lockdown will come to an end on December 2.

Boris Johnson said the current restrictions, which have been in place throughout November, would end next week, meaning non-essential shops can re-open their doors.

However, there has been some confusion within the industry as to exactly what date clients will be able to return to the cutting room chair, with one owner saying the rules were 'as clear as mud'.

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The news was welcomed by Charles Rose, the award winning London hairdresser, who along with partner Alex Green, owns male barbers and hair salon Crate Cheshire, with stores in both Northwich and Knutsford.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the news.

"We can't wait to get back to what we do best and be busy from now on.

"Hopefully that's it now for lockdown and we'll be able to stay open.

"We take a lot of bookings and have actually been taking lots during the current lockdown in readiness for being able to re-open, which we told three weeks ago, would be from December 3.

"But yesterday they changed this to December 2, which is obviously great, but it means we could have opened up the booking system to cover that date as well.

"We only opened the Knutsford store just after the first lockdown ended, so it's been a tough few months trying to get it established and grow the business."

Northwich Guardian:

Alex and Charles outside the Knutsford salon

Based on Crown Street in Northwich and Minshull Street in Knutsford, Crate is a specialised men's barber, hair salon and lounge and Charles said he is really looking forward to being able to provide his customers with their unique service once again.

"We're just for men and we pride ourselves on our customer service," he commented.

"Everyone gets at least a 30 minute appointment, we always wash your hair and when we're allowed to, we serve them drinks as well.

"All our clients are happy with the news and they're all getting their Christmas appointments in now.

"My own personal experience is that the High Street and all the small businesses have been excellent in all the precautions they've put across, we couldn't have done anymore."

Alison Gerrard, who as well as being a Northwich Town Councillor, owns Snipets salon on Station Road, said she was happy to be able to open again but that the new rules 'are as clear as mud'.

She said: "Initially I was led to believe we could re-open from December 2, and I've taken bookings for that date.

"I've spoken to the girl who does my nails and she said she's seen something that says it's from December 2.

"Having spoken to other contacts I've got in hairdressing, none of us have got a cast iron date for opening, which in itself is bonkers.

"For someone like me who is appointment only, how do you schedule clients in when you don't know when you can open?

"The last thing I want to do is open my doors on December 2 and get a fine for it.

"It's as clear as mud."

Northwich Guardian:

Cllr Alison Gerrard runs the Snipets salon. Image: Google Maps

Cllr Gerrard, who operates the salon on her own, said the Covid-secure changes she has had to put in place have cost her a substantial amount of money and meant less clients coming through the door each day.

"I have a 15 minute wait to clean between clients, which naturally means less people through the doors each day.

"Most people are happy to adhere to the rules, but just tell us what the rules are."