A hairdresser has spoken up on behalf of colleagues following lockdown rules after becoming annoyed at the publicity surrounding one business which was flouting the regulations.

Met Warwick, who ran Kings Hill Barbers in Churchill Square was given widespread media coverage when he refused to close his business at the start of the second lockdown, though his rebellion has since been ended by his landlord barring him from the premises.

But Steven Lewis, who owns Tapers Hairdressing and Tapers Beauty salon, two separate businesses in Martin's Square, Larkfield, said it was the "good guys" who deserved the attention as they were now paying the price for having to close up shop.

Speaking on behalf of all the hair salons and barbers who have been adhering to the rules, Mr Lewis said: "Here at Tapers we did everything we could to observe the regulations during the period between lockdowns.

"We've been wearing face-shields and masks, removed chairs and reduced the number of staff and customers in the building at any one time. We introduced a gap between appointments so that we could thoroughly sterilise each time, and asked customers to wait outside until we were ready for them.

"Of course that has meant reduced income and extra costs, but we haven't complained because it was the right thing to do.

"And it's not just us, I know the other hair salons and barbers in the area have also been sticking strictly to the rules, and of course now we have all had to close."

He said: "Yet all the attention has been on Mr Warwick."

Mr Lewis has run his hair salon, which includes a barbers shop for men, for 25 years, and the beauty salon for seven.

Now the 15 staff who worked there are on furlough or else seeking assistance through the government's scheme for the self employed.

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