Visors, scissors and social distancing: How Fylde coast hairdressers and barbers are preparing to reopen

After months of lockdown, Fylde coast barbers and hairdressers are gearing up to reopen on July 4, but not without some significant changes.

Dave Gotto, owner of Dave Gotto's Barbers on Rossall Road, Cleveleys and Lord Street, Fleetwood, implemented safety measures during lockdown to protect his staff and clients.

Mr Gotto, 54, from Fleetwood, said the 15 weeks his business had been closed for was the longest amount of time he had spent out of work in all his 32 years of trading.

"I asked myself whether my job will ever be the same. I've been doing this for so long and I'm a people person, but now we have to wear visors," Dave said.

"We're known for our music, upbeat atmosphere and having a laugh with our customers. It's going to be a strange way of working when we reopen.

But in some ways the lockdown has had some positives for the business as well. We've been able to make improvements to the interior of both of our shops and have knocked into one of our staff rooms to create more space for social distancing.

"We'll be spraying chairs and tools down between each customer, we've got hand-washing facilities at each station and we're asking everyone to wear a mask."

Mr Gotto added that he would be selling masks in each of his shops for customers who did not bring their own, with half of the proceeds going to Fleetwood mental health charity Men's Shed.

Ian Bradley, owner of Allure Hairdressing on Springbank Avenue, Thornton, was preparing to welcome back his clients after a difficult few months out of work with no business grants from the Government.

As a sub-letter, Mr Bradley missed out on any financial help for self-employed people.

"It has been difficult, but I'm just so excited to open again and welcome back my lovely clients, I've really missed them," Ian said.

"I usually operate three chairs at once, but to allow for social distancing I've had to remove one of them so that will have an effect on my business.

"I like to spoil my clients with nice drinks and magazines, but now I have to ask them to bring their own in. It's sad but it's necessary for everyone's safety.

"I have ordered more gowns, I've got hands-free sanitiser machines and will be spraying everything down between clients. I'm also going to be keeping a record of all visitors to the salon in case they get symptoms or have been in contact with the virus."