Barber shops have become a hot topic in the small Welsh town of Porth, and the residents are not happy about it. With a population of just 6,000 people, the town now boasts a total of 13 establishments offering men’s haircuts, all located within a 0.3-mile radius or a quick six-minute walk from each other. Concerns have been raised by local traders and residents regarding the sustainability of opening yet another barbershop in the town centre, especially after a recent planning application was submitted to convert an amusement arcade on the high street into a new barbershop.
Dan Parry, vice-chair of the Porth and District Chamber of Trade, highlighted the worries within the business community about the oversaturation of barber services in the town. He explained that the existing businesses are concerned that there may not be enough clientele to sustain so many establishments offering similar services, leading to a potential loss of customers for all businesses in the area. The chamber of trade has formally objected to the latest planning application, expressing that approving it would be detrimental to the town and its existing businesses.
A survey conducted by the chamber of trade in 2024 revealed that local residents already felt there was an over-abundance of certain businesses in the town centre, including fast-food takeaways, beauty parlours, and barbershops. This sentiment has only been exacerbated by the prospect of yet another barbershop opening in the town. The proposed conversion of an amusement arcade into a barbershop at 64 Hannah Street has sparked further concerns about the lack of diversity in the town’s business offerings and the potential negative impact on the overall shopping experience for residents.
The chamber of trade’s objection to the planning application emphasised that approving another barbershop would strain the existing market, diminish the diversity of the high street, contradict the Council’s development plans, and go against public sentiment. Social media posts by the chamber of trade regarding the new application prompted responses from locals echoing the sentiment that Porth is already overwhelmed with barbershops. Residents expressed their concerns about the increasing concentration of similar businesses in the town and called for more objections to be raised against the latest application.
The issue at hand goes beyond the mere opening of another barbershop; it speaks to the broader challenges facing small towns like Porth in maintaining a diverse and sustainable business environment. The fear of losing customers to a reputation of being oversaturated with barbershops poses a significant threat to the existing businesses, both new and established, that form the backbone of the town’s economy. The chamber of trade’s stance against the proliferation of barbershops underscores the need for careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure the long-term viability of Porth’s town centre.
As the debate around the influx of barbershops in Porth continues, the future of the town’s business landscape hangs in the balance. The chamber of trade’s objections and the concerns raised by local residents highlight the importance of fostering a diverse and sustainable business community that caters to the needs of the town’s population while ensuring the growth and prosperity of local businesses. Balancing the interests of competing businesses and preserving the unique character of Porth’s high street will require a thoughtful and collaborative approach from all stakeholders involved.