A hairdresser says he feels forgotten since reopening and has called for government support schemes to be rolled out to other struggling businesses.

Marcello Marino's studio in Cliff Road in Ramsgate was bursting with customers when it reopened on July 4 after the lockdown pause.

But the salon owner says he now feels forgotten as footfall dwindles, amid fears over the spread of the coronavirus.

"It is very scary, 30 years in business and it is very very slow," the 51-year-old said. "Before I did about 10 to 15 customers a day but now im doing five all day."

Restaurants, cafes and pubs have had their coffers refilled as diners dashed out to take advantage of the government's "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme which ends tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Marcello says himself and other high street businesses are falling by the wayside.

The salon owner has been assisting his vulnerable customers to collect their shopping throughout the lockdown and believes many are still too frightened to venture out.

"I keep phoning them up [customers] to talk to them and they say 'don't worry we have not gone anywhere else'."

One customer he said had not been out for nearly four months and "nearly had a panic attack in the shop" upon her return.

Marcello has been taking extra precautions instore to make his clients feel safe and says he has been wearing face masks and listening to their concerns.

But with footfall dwindling the hairdresser has called on the government to help out small independent businesses like his and offer similar schemes to boost confidence.

"I don't know why the government only helps out restaurants," he said.

The salon owner, who offered free haircuts to those unable to afford it last Christmas , has spoken out previously on his struggles during lockdown to access financial support .

"I don't know why the government only helps out restaurants"

In a plan to boost visitor numbers Marcello is offering customers the chance get £10 off a cut and or colour when the store reopens next week.

The offer will run from Tuesday to Thursday for the next few weeks with plans to extend it if it proves successful, says Marcello.

But unlike the government's scheme the salon owner will be forking out the discounts from his own pocket.

"I will see how it goes," he said, adding he didn't mind missing out if it meant more customers regaining confidence and walking through the doors more often in the long term.

He added: "Hopefully the government will get behind us."

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