The 'disappointed' manager of a hairdressers says she was excluded from taking part in a Christmas shopping event after being 'blocked' by tents from a pop-up food market.

Staff at Hairways, on Hythe High Street, were ready to welcome shoppers with mince pies and Prosecco on Friday as part of the annual festive shopping night, which allows customers to browse into the evening.

But the salon was 'shut off' after a food and drink market was erected right outside.

It meant no one could see that Hairways was still open, manager Parisa Alagha says, leaving her no choice but to close.

But organisers have defended the location of the food stalls, saying they didn't know the salon was to remain open.

Ms Alagha, 49, said: "Every year we open for the late night shopping. We have Christmas music, mince pies and Prosecco, we welcome people in from the streets.

"Christmas and New Year is a busy time for us and this night is always the best time to welcome new clients in.

"It all contributes towards the local community.

"On Friday we were working and all of a sudden we see someone erecting a tent outside.

"I ran out and told them they were blocking our shop.

"Next thing three others popped up all next to each other. When I complained the stall holders said it's not down to them, they're just given a pitch by organisers. So it's not their fault.

"But it was an awful, awful night for us.

"No one could see us. We were blocked off. It got to 6pm and I sent the staff home.

"It is the first time we've not been part of the late night shopping. We lost income because of this.

"We try our best to be part of the community but we were just cut off.

"I asked the traders where they came from and they said London, so it's not even boosting the local business."

Ms Alagha posted about the salon's unexpected early closure on Facebook, which sparked comments from upset customers.

One said: "Surely Hythe's late night shopping is for Hythe traders and residents to support, cheer and thank each other for another year of keeping our town alive and kicking."

Another said: "I was in Hairways and was shocked to see food stalls setting up right outside their door.

"You couldn't see anything out of the windows as they were totally blocked off. Such a shame when they had gone to all the effort to stay open."

Robert Kent, who owns the long-running salon, says he now plans to write to organisers.

He said: "Hairways goes back to 1983; it is one of the oldest businesses in Hythe. We've always opened for late night shopping.

"I think this is down to bad planning. I don't know why it had to be set up on our side of the road. There was plenty of spaces for it to go elsewhere."

Friday's late-night shopping event was organised by Hythe Business and Tourism Association (HBTA).

As well as the food market, it also included entertainment and a Santa's Grotto.

HBTA said it asked Hairways if they wanted to join in with the event and sent letters to the shop inviting them to take part, but never heard back.

A spokesman said: "We had a very successful evening with so many positive comments about the event from traders and those attending.

"If there are any particular concerns from any individuals then we will be happy to look at them."

But Ms Alagha insists she did tell organisers she was going to stay open.

Despite the concerns raised by Hairways, other shoppers enjoyed the late night Christmas shopping event.

One said on Facebook: "It looks fantastic tonight. Well done to all concerned. I hope it brings loads of people to the High Street."

Another said: "The new lights were really good, setting the scene for a happy festival evening. May our High Street continue to enjoy good trade in the rest of December and throughout 2020."

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