A NEW hairdressers officially opened in the town centre last week.

Hewlins Hair held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 11 with the Waterloo Court business launching on the same site as former hairdressers, Eva.

Owner and former Eva hairdresser, Karen Watson said she could not have opened the store without the help from her father.

She said: “The reason why I’ve called it what I did is because dad was with me through some difficult times in my life and supported me through signing for the shop, and really I wouldn’t be here, like I am now, if it wasn’t for my dad.

“He died two weeks after signing for the shop and it’s his legacy - the place is for him really.”

On the opening, the mother-of-three added: “I’m excited and it’s really nice to have the opportunity to do stuff we weren’t able to before, like more promotions.

“I’m just really grateful for the old customers that will come here because they could’ve gone elsewhere.”

The venue was officially opened by the mayor of Test Valley, councillor Carl Borg-Neal. He said: “I’m delighted that Karen has been able to keep a local business open which would’ve been lost. Small businesses are key to the prosperity of the town and I wish her every success with her new venture.”

For more information, call 01264 335995 or follow Hewlins Hair on Facebook.