Extension’s turned out Abi ever after...

FOUR years after opening a ladies’ hairdressing salon in the former post office at Watersheddings, Abi Hoy has realised her ambition of opening a barber’s shop next door.

The premises at 289 Ripponden Road — now Austin James Hairdressers — used to be Watersheddings Post Office and is the only shop on Ripponden Road with its original frontage and plate glass window, with black and white tiles on the exterior steps.

The premises has been listed as being of historical significance.

Abi, who lives in Watersheddings, has taken on Becky Clegg, from Hathershaw, after investing around £70,000 with buildings owner Martin Tighe to complete the conversion.

“Abi came up with the idea of opening a barber’s shop so we applied for planning permission and were successful,” said Martin, from Moorside. “During the renovations when we removed an old gas fire and discovered a huge stone fireplace and bread oven.

“The oven was in too bad a condition to keep, but we had the fireplace sandblasted for an unusual feature to the shop.

“We also searched through photographic archives of the Oldham Local Studies Centre and found a black and white photo of the Watersheddings Post Office along with the neighbouring 291 house as it was in the 1950s, this along with other old photos of Watersheddings now hang in the barber’s shop.”

Abi, who has named the business after her son, said: “We have opening offers, a pensioner day and we’re planning an open day on Saturday when people can pop in for a look and enjoy a drink and some nibbles.

“This is something I always wanted to do and I’m delighted to have reached this goal. I see it as a natural extension to the business."