READERS of the Gazette have expressed their support to a hairdresser after her salon received a visit from the police over a false complaint.

Although The Topiary Salon on The Street in Old Basing was staying open for hands-on training which has been allowed by the government since March 8, police paid a visit to the site after being informed by a member of the public that it has broken lockdown restrictions.

Reacting on Facebook, the salon owner had said the members were undertaking colour, cutting and colour theory training as per government rules.

Following a report by the Gazette, several readers expressed support for the salon and mocked the ‘snitcher’.

One reader said: “It makes me laugh, if the Topiary were opening illegally and having clients in, they wouldn't be operating in FULL VIEW of the public, blinds/shutters open for all too see.

“Clearly the person who reported them didn't stop to think and wonder 'well if they are illegally open for business, why aren’t they hiding it?'”

Another reader added: “I walked past the salon and saw them in there, all wearing masks, the only thought I had was that they must be staff, not once did I think about calling the police! Some people need to get a life and mind their business!”

Another person said: “I feel so sorry for hairdressers. In my opinion they were one of the safest places that followed the rules before lockdown. In fact, safer than the super market.”

Several readers lauded Laura Haystaff, the person behind The Topiary, for bringing the matter to public.

“Laura Haystaff is not only a well-known person in the village, done a lot for it, to treat her like this is shameful. All she was doing is what is entirely legal.”

One respondent said: “I love that the Topiary have been able to defend themselves, they are such a well-respected business.”

Another reader added: “If anything, this makes me want to book an appointment with this salon and I hope they do well once restrictions are lifted.”

Earlier, the salon had posted on Facebook: “I don't know whether to be embarrassed, angry or amused. For the last 2 Thursdays our team have taken part in colour, cutting, and colour theory training.

“The personal care services sector were allowed to reopen from 8 March 2021 to offer practical and hands-on training and assessment.

“We followed government guidance for reopening for hands on training and take the welfare of our team very seriously.

“To confirm the NHBF have clarified that hands on training can take place in salons if:

  • Training cannot be done remotely.
  • Everyone taking part is a staff member.
  • No members of the public are involved.

“So to receive a visit from this nice police officer today came at quite a shock to our team. We had 3 posters displayed clearly in our windows and door, all team members wore appropriate PPE and ALL participants work for The Topiary.

“We hope whomever ‘shopped us’ to the police can sleep easy, knowing that no laws have been broken today.

“We were merely investing in our company's future, giving our team some confidence to return to the workplace and using all our ‘spare time’ to learn to do your hair better!”

Hairdressers and other personal care services will open to members of the public only on April 12.