Petition fails to save century-old barber shop

A community's attempt to save a century-old hairdressers "means everything" to the barbers who work there.

George Scott Gentleman's Hairdressers has been at The Side in Newcastle since 1919, but will soon close after its rent tripled.

Shop owner Barry Whincup thanked the 1,000 people who signed a petition, which called for the rent to be lowered, for their "fantastic community spirit" and said he hoped to have a new location soon.

The barbers' landlord, The Gainford Group, has been contacted for comment.

Mr Whincup said the shop was also a social space and a place where people could come "just to sit and off-load" their worries.

"It's what we've strived to be and do for the whole time we've been here - just be part of that community," he said.

"It means everything to us, without them there is no us."

Sam Ramsey, who has been a customers at the shop - opposite Newcastle's historic keep - for about seven years, said it was a shame it would soon close.

"It's got a lot of character, a bit of history, and its very quirky," he said.

"But yeah, it's sad because I guess you're losing a bit of heritage and the guys are clearly very proud of what they've put together."

Mr Whincup said he had negotiated with The Gainford Group about the rent increase but said it was inevitable prices would still go up.

"We decided to go before we were pushed," he said.

Mr Whincup and his colleagues, Jack Scott and Allan Symons, plan to continue working together at a new location.

"We're still looking at some places and venues and the three of us should be up and running together soon," he said.

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