A BASINGSTOKE hairdressing business that has been trading in the town for more than 60 years has closed.

Carey’s first opened in Church Street, Basingstoke in 1960 by Ian Carey.

Mr Carey left school and joined the family business — tailor and gent’s outfitter Horace F Carey.

Aged 24, after going for a haircut at Miller’s in nearby Winchester Street and hearing it was closing down, he decided to buy the business.

The young entrepreneur took all of Miller’s fixtures and fittings, basins and chairs over to the Church Street premises, and the hairdressing business has been a permanent fixture in the town ever since, outliving the outfitting element which shut in the 1980s.

The business was taken over by Basingstoke businessman Duncan Sone in 2017 who acquired the family business from longstanding owner Alan Carey, following his retirement aged 87 after 37 years running the salon.

READ MORE: Inspire Awards: Judges choose this year's Inspire Awards finalists

Carey’s told its customers it closed the shop “with a heavy heart”.

In a group statement, staff from the hairdressers said: "It is very sad that the shop closed so soon. The shop closed due to rising costs and ample competition around the town. This meant that unfortunately, we had to shut sooner than planned as it was no longer a profitable business.

"There were five of us working there. Jade, Denise, Ross, Annette and Daz. We are all very saddened by the owner's impromptu decision to close and we appreciate everyone’s support and custom for the 63 years we’ve been trading under the Carey’s family name."

A post on Facebook reads: "With a heavy heart, we sadly announce the closing of Carey’s hairdressers on the 27th of May. We have been trading for 63 years in total and would like to thank all our clients for their continued loyalty and custom over the years. It will truly be an end of an era and will be greatly missed. Please pop in before then to chat with the team about future endeavours."

Basingstoke Gazette: The sign outside the hairdresser The sign outside the hairdresser (Image: Roy Venkatesh)

Another post read: "We regretfully announce due to unforeseen circumstances the shop has closed as of yesterday (March 10th) we apologise for the short notice. Please do get in touch with us via (Facebook) messenger with any queries and we will answer as soon as we can. Thank you to all our customers."

SEE MORE: Date set for The Legends of Winklebury Memorial Football Match

Residents have replied to the post to share their sadness at the news.

Emma McConnell posed: "So sad to hear, as a child my mum used Carey's for our haircuts and when I became a mum I've continued to use it for me and my children. Sending best wishes to you all in your future journeys."

Jackie Bird posted: "That's really sad. Was going to come to see you all before the prior date. Now it's too late. I loved you guys and enjoyed having my hair cut with Jade and Denise and Ross."

Mike Shirley also posed: "Deeply saddening to the hairdressers who kept such a positive vibe going under the circumstances. I'm going to miss everyone who gave the place such a warm and kind atmosphere which will sorely be lacking in town."