Barber takes to the road

by Lisa Reeves

Tuesday 4^th July 2017

Tue 4^th Jul 2017

A local barbers has decided to close up shop after seven and a half year and take his business on the road instead.

Alderley Edge resident Charles Gaughan, who has been cutting hair for 38 years, opened the doors of Trafford Road Barbers in 2010 offering a traditional gentleman's barbers' service

Charles told alderleyedge.com "I was closed last year for 20 weeks due to ill health. I had three ulcers burst and I nearly bled to death then the agent and landlord wanted to raise my rent by forty percent, that would have put my rates up.

"I have worked hard to get the shop back as it was but it became too much after trying to negotiate with the agents for some time - it became obvious they have other plans but everything comes to an end."

He added "I'm now trying to get my mobile barbering off the floor - me and the dog are having new adventures going to our clients homes and offices."

Charles lives in the village with his wife Helen, who runs the Cancer Research shop on London Road. His new business is called The Mobile Barber and contact details can be found on Facebook.

He continued "It wasn't easy to let the shop go as it was more than just a business to me, it's where friends called in. I will miss that but forward is forward and life moves."

Tags:: The Mobile Barber, Trafford Road Barbers

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Fiona Doorbar

Tuesday 4^th July 2017 at 3:46 pm

What a shame another business has been forced to close its doors. Charlie was always the first to give a friendly wave when I passed on my way to the village. I hope all his loyal customers (and more) support him with his new business adventure. Good luck and good health Charlie.

Lee Mason

Tuesday 4^th July 2017 at 7:18 pm

All the best for your business adventure Good luck and good health Charlie.

Rachael Grantham

Tuesday 4^th July 2017 at 8:01 pm

Charlie, I am sure your new mobile business will be a great success. Good luck for the future.

Geoffrey Davies-Palin

Tuesday 4^th July 2017 at 8:15 pm

A terrible shame the shop has closed due to the ever increasing greed of landlords and agents. I always enjoyed my regular trips for my haircut and beard trim and will miss the banter with other regular customers. However i can still get the same superb grooming thanks to Charlie going mobile. Good luck in the new venture Charlie and as long as i have it you will cut it.

Peter Wright

Tuesday 4^th July 2017 at 8:23 pm

Hi Charlie
I know the feelings that you describe very well indeed, but like you say, look forward and life takes a different path, one that I hope is successful for you and that you are happy and no longer have to line the pockets of the ever greedy landlords that have, and are! ruining Alderley!

Good luck and best wishes

Duncan Herald

Tuesday 4^th July 2017 at 9:08 pm

Good on yer Charlie
My greying locks are yours to command.
Is that 3 shops that have closed in the last week or two?

Helen Gaughan

Wednesday 5^th July 2017 at 1:33 am

Charlie and myself would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all the kind words and thoughts which we've both received since we have had to make this difficult decision . Our hands were ultimately forced by a landlord who wanted a 40% increase in rent , coupled with the fact that Charlie has endured 12 months of ill-health meaing that continuing to trade in a retail unit became unsustainable , in fact impossible . This is a wonderful , vibrant , full of life village with great characters .... The funeral of one of our own on Tuesday demonstrated that . The strain that greedy landlords and their agents ( my thoughts only ) that are bestowed upon the humble shop keeper trying to make a living is just that .... Greed and greed alone . Biased I maybe , but Charlie , my husband , has worked very hard in the village and the community at large .... Supporting my charity , Sponsoring various events , offering apprenticeships to young people , assisting older clients and younger ones too ... Offering sanctuary to the children getting off the school coaches in the rain or snow whilst waiting to be collected . I manage the Cancer Research UK shop in the village , and have done so for 20 years. Charlie has helped generate £1,000's since the shop opened ... Goodness knows what the future of retail holds for our village . Untenable rent and rates aside , the elephant in the room will , I'm afraid , be parking .

On behalf of us both , many thanks again for all of your kind words and good wishes , we really appreciate it ..... Charlie and Helen x

Scott Bilsborough

Wednesday 5^th July 2017 at 10:07 pm

Sorry to hear about the shop, best of luck in the new venture and I'll see you soon.

Thursday 6^th July 2017 at 7:20 am

Thanks Scott !! You know where we are !!! X

Charlie Gaughan

Thursday 6^th July 2017 at 3:05 pm

Thank Lisa for writing the article and to every one for their kindness and support

Bernard Pearce

Friday 7^th July 2017 at 5:54 pm

Well another local business forced out - and I wonder how long it will take to replace it?

The good news is that Charlie is still available to cut hair - and as one of his first 'mobile' customers, I can assure you that his expertise hasn't been lost!

Good to know that you've bounced back Charlie!

Saturday 8^th July 2017 at 1:53 pm

Thank you Bernard.