A small town in Wales with a population of just 5,970 is now home to 14 barber shops after a new one opened. Residents in Porth, South Wales, say their town was already “saturated,” reports the Daily Mail. A businessman made plans to open a new barber shop in a vacant amusement arcade, which residents were largely unsupportive of.
34 letters of objection were sent in total, but despite this, the barber shop was granted planning permission. Based on the 2021 census, there will now be one barber shop for every 426 residents.
David James, 76, a retired plumber and heating engineer from the town, said: “It’s ridiculous to have so many barbers and hair salons so close to each other. It can’t be sustainable.
“It makes the town centre unattractive when you get so many businesses all offering the same thing.”
Concerns from residents came after police had warned of criminals infiltrating the industry by setting up shops as front companies to launder the proceeds of crimes like drug dealing.
More than 750 barbers opened in the UK last year despite a broader High Street downturn, raising suspicions that some are being used for crime.
Last month, enforcement teams across the West Midlands raided a string of Turkish barber shops and seized more than £500,000 in illegal cash during a crackdown on money laundering.
A raid was recently carried out in Shrewsbury, which was one of 265 carried out across England and Wales last month as part of a crackdown on High Street businesses.
These often include Turkish-style barbers, vape shops and mini-marts – suspected of being fronts for international crime gangs, reports BBC.
In a report, planning officers who recommended approval, said: “The principle of commercial development at the site is acceptable and by bringing the property back into beneficial use, would result in a positive contribution towards the wider retail centre.
“Furthermore, the application is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Local Development Plan in respect of its visual impact and the impact it has upon the amenity and privacy of the neighbouring residential properties.”
Politicians and members of the public have raised concerns about many of these businesses, which have boomed even while High Streets appear to be in decline.
