Farmyard opens hair salon in Northants barn

A farmyard is not the first place you'd expect to find a hairdressing salon, but that is what villagers from Glapthorn near Oundle in Northamptonshire can expect from 1 March, with help from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES).

Alison Reading decided to set up the business to help increase the family's income and still have time to look after her two young children. Her husband Jonathan is employed full time on the farm.

There will be an open day at the Hairbarn on Saturday 28th February between 10am and 4pm. Anyone who is interested is invited to go along on the day to have a drink and a look round.

Alison said:

"With the help of the RES grant, I've made 'The Hairbarn' as stylish and modern as possible. It will probably surprise people that what looks like a normal barn on a farmyard is now a fully equipped modern hairdressing salon, very similar to something you'd see in a big city.

"If all goes well, I should be able to take on a trainee and employ a local person to look after my children when it gets busy. With no other services in the village and the nearest hairdressers in the town, I'm hoping this will provide a community focal point."

Sarah Fraser, a Defra Rural Development Service adviser in the East Midlands, said:

"The Hairbarn is a highly innovative project which will provide the Readings with an additional source of income, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the farming business as well as providing a valuable service for local residents."