A POPULAR barber shop is part way through a transformation which include a bigger car park after criticisms over parking issues.

Guys Barber Shop, in Drove Road, reopened its main floor earlier this week after it was under construction for four months. Regulars were using a small upstairs area of the building to get a haircut while the work took place.

The completion of the inside of the shop now means that builders can soon start work on expanding the car park. Parking has been an issue in the area in months gone by due to customers parking illegally on the path outside the building.

Guy Awazi, owner of Guy’s Barber Shop, said: “Parking is something that we have really wanted to address. We want our customers and neighbours to see this is the way forward.

“There should never be illegal parking outside the barbers once the work is finished and there are no excuses for clients not using those spaces.”

More room for parking will be created at the back entrance of the shop, after a wall is knocked down.

Guy added: “This couldn’t have been done without the customers, they were brilliant at adapting to the vision of the shop.

“We didn’t want to rush this project, it needed to be perfect.

“To all our clients, we thank you for your patience while the restorations were taking place, and also for struggling with us upstairs.”

The renovation has so far included the expansion of the floor to make it a bigger space, as well as adding two more barber chairs.

The team of barbers has increased to eight, and this will increase again next month.

Guys has extended its expertise to Malaysia, with former trainee Papa Zulfa opening his own salons. Now they have a new stylist flying in from Texas, USA, to begin her journey working at the shop after being selected by Guy.

He said: “We have barbers of all ages and experience, some starting out their career with real potential and others with 20 years’ experience.

“This is a creative environment that allows professionals the freedom they need to release their talent.

“I have people from all over the world who ask about coming over to work in the shop. I can tell if someone really has the desire.”

The studio that was being used upstairs during the renovation will be left unused for now. There are discussions ongoing about turning it into a tattoo parlour but that is yet to be confirmed.