Prince of Wales Road

Topless barbers for Prince of Wales Road, Norwich?

David Bale Friday, December 2, 2011
8:14 PM

A protest has been launched against plans to open a topless barbers in the heart of Norwich’s nightlife area.

Plans have been submitted to Norwich City Council for a change of use from drinking establishment to topless barbers during the daytime at the Qube bar in Prince Of Wales Road.

The premises is next to the Railway Mission and just two doors down is GT’s barbers.

Applicant Rebecca Bird, from Fakenham, has applied to open the topless barbers between noon and 7pm from Monday to Friday and between 10am and 3pm on Saturdays.

Gary Thompson, owner of GT’s barbers, said: “I think the plans are ludicrous.

“There was a topless barbers in Sydney, Australia, and ones in Glasgow, Milton Keynes and Liverpool, but they all went out of business.

“I have made my views known to the city council and we are trying to drum up support on our Facebook page ‘Against topless barbers in Norwich’. Obviously, if it did open, I think the effect on us and other hairdressers would be detrimental. But we are opposed to it not just because it would affect our business, but it would lower the image of the street even further. I have spoken to other traders and businesses and they all think it’s ludicrous.”

Thorpe Hamlet ward city councillor Lesley Grahame said she had received complaints about the plans from residents.

She said: “A lot of residents are uneasy about it and I’m uneasy about the mix of prudishness and voyeurism that sexual entertainment arouses.

“It does not promote equal respect when semi-naked women are providing a service for clothed and paying men. Residents would feel uncomfortable in the street and I also have an issue with it being open in the afternoons.”

Her fellow ward councillor Peter Offord, who is a member of Norwich City Council’s planning committee and cannot therefore comment, said he had forwarded any concerns that were sent to him on to the council.

What do you think of the plans? Email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk.

52 comments

I can't see the point fo it myself. No doubt they will charge an extortionate amount for at best an average trim. I for one will continue to get my hair cut by my girlfriend and I won't even bother to ask her to whip her knockers out (well not untill later - wink, wink). I don't see how some people (mainly women it would seem) can have such filthy minds as to compare this with sex-slavery, expliotation and prostitution.

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NigelS

Friday, December 9, 2011
That could make a new TV series for Channel 4. Nork and Mindy, shuzbutt !!

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chebram71

Friday, December 9, 2011
That and getting her norks out!

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Whiley Boy

Thursday, December 8, 2011
I showed my dear old mum this article last night and after a chuckle she said no. She doesn't think she would be very good with scissors near someone's ears at her age. lol. Bless her. So no, she wont be applying. Sorry Valpy.

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Whiley Boy

Thursday, December 8, 2011
@valpy - I'll ask her, but I don't think she'd be much good with a pair of scissiors at 78.

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Whiley Boy

Wednesday, December 7, 2011
@WhileyBoy Your dear old Mum might get a job there!!

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Valpy Word

Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Well, I wont be taking my dear old mum here, that I much I can assure you.

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Whiley Boy

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Louie, bra-vo. Thank you for keeping us abreast of developments. What a pleasant change to see an uplifting story receiving such strong support. Maybe the udder-ly ridiculous opposition has been nipped in the bud

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robotsthatcare

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Well can't really complain. just up the road their are 2 strip clubs has any complained about them.......

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bouncer

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I went for my monthly short back and sides today, and my barber Herbert surprised me. He was naked from the waist up, he also smelled of some exotic unction. My haircut was of its usual standard , however I was unnerved by his apppearance and demeanour. Seems he has wind of some new competition coming to town and wants to be ahead of the game. I am all for progress but dont know if I am comfortable with a half dressed crimper.

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Abraham

Monday, December 5, 2011
Many of the comments published have been nothing more than titillation, so be it! I will come straight to the point with my contribution. We are told by the EEN that an application has been submitted to the planning authorities, for a change of use of premises from drinking establishment to a hairdressers. Surely this must be regarded as an up-market request. Objections are raised from another hairdresser who fears that his turnover could be affected. In the market place each and everyone must do what they consider necessary, within the law, to promote their business. How they do that, is personal judgement of what is required. How many establishments selling their wares to the public have to inform the authorities of the uniform their staff will wear? Whether they are male or female, blonde or brunette, what size shoes are to be worn etc. etc. What on earth has the uniform of the staff to do with this application?

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Joe Rome

Monday, December 5, 2011
Hi everyone! If you are for the new topless barbers, please like our facebook page 'For Topless Barbers in Norwich'. We already have way more followers than the against page! Thank you! http:www.facebook.compagesFor-Topless-Barbers-in-Norwich296410557065248

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Louie Chilvers

Monday, December 5, 2011
Some of the comments here are tinged with Melon-choly. If you don't like the idea, turn the Udder cheek. I wondered how long it would be before we saw Bazookas on POW at the weekend, can't imagine these will be being handles by the chavs though. As long as the "Mitchell Brothers" are on the door any trouble would be quickly nippled in the bud allowing the rest of us to have bags of fun with the funbags.

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Valpy Word

Monday, December 5, 2011
I really thought people would have supported this new venture, but sadly there are a lot of knockers.

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Joe Mullets Uncle

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Anything for the weekend, sir ?

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Bruce87

Sunday, December 4, 2011
There will, I understand, be a polishing service for baldies Dennis! they will be using buffers!

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IT Man

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Are there any plans in place to accommodate us baldies?

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Dennis Kemp

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Ma Snipps says "I've got eyes in the back of my head". Will that cost me more for a short back and sides?

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Pa Snipps

Sunday, December 4, 2011
If this gets the go ahead lets hope it is "in the best possible taste".

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Len Harvey

Sunday, December 4, 2011
If I need any proof of my case - Daisy Roots - thank you

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biglingers

Sunday, December 4, 2011
A source close to the applicant has told me that this will be possibly the most eco friendly business property in Norwich, By never using either heating or air conditioning, the ensuing low temperature will not only give a low carbon footprint, but will mean that customers always have somewhere to hang their coats despite there not being a hatstand in the shop. Having said that, I can see how allowing this application would be hard on the other businesses in the area and I hope it doesn't come to pass

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robotsthatcare

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Yup, that's the sort of attitude that sees 18 year olds trafficked in from Eastern Europe and imprisoned in houses in Bradwell.

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Daisy Roots

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Well said Jimmy!There's always a spoilsport out there (inc. GT). Why not make it members only, or put a minimum age limit on it (like pubs)

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biglingers

Sunday, December 4, 2011
It is a great idea, the girls working there will do so of their own free will, if they are 18 and someones daughyer, it will be their choice, freely nade. If men do not want to see girls flaunting themselves, just stay away. There is no evidence that seeing a topless girl makes men go and assault the first female that they see! It would be quite easy to explain to a 9 year old the attraction of a topless barber! Let them have a go and market forces will decide if they succeed or fail.

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IT Man

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Now on CNN! http:ireport.cnn.comdocsDOC-712134

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Alun Hill

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Topless bars, topless barbers and even lap dancing clubs may well be nothing other than childish prurience however having the personal choice to indulge in, or not to indulge in, such "childish prurience" IS a matter of freedom of choice and that is the real issue here.

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Harrison

Sunday, December 4, 2011
Typical Norfolk. Try anything new and out come the knockers

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robotsthatcare

Saturday, December 3, 2011
Norwich, you prudes. This takes me back 40 years, where Billy Wilson opened a topless barbers in Wolverhampton. I don’t recall it causing a furore and didn’t last long - probably because of a shortage of customers brave enough to go into the topless barber. Billy a well known publicity seeker went on to open the David Bowie hair centre, and a Donkey Sanctuary. He now organizes the annual Tough Guy competition. Some may recall Billy and son Mitch in one of the early London marathons where they ran as the front and back of a pantomime horse, stopping outside Buckingham Palace to doff their cap to the Queen.

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jonstokes1950

Saturday, December 3, 2011
Yes but what sort of saddo thinks that topless bars, topless barbers and even lap dancing clubs are anything other than childish prurience?They don't have a lot to do with freedom, liberation or an open attitude to life, more to do with gleeful grubbiness. If you couldn't explain the appeal of a topless barbers to your nine year old kid or stand the thought of your 18 year old daughter being leered at by old men then you probably shouldn't find an excuse for these places. The girls who work there may have a clear idea of exploiting the schoolboy minded but how many steps is it away from the realities of the trafficking industry ?

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Daisy Roots

Saturday, December 3, 2011
For goodness sake, just make sure the front of the shop is not clearly viewed from outside. Have you prudes seen the lap dancing bar just a few doors down next to Pulse? Theres no attacks occuring around the Devils Advocate or Platinum and Lace in the centre................ In this day and age, loosen up, and before you say anything, I am a mid 30's Christian male with kids. No criminal record and a love for the finer things in life, women, attractive on the inside and the outside. Mine is a short back and side please!!

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EyeInTheSky

Saturday, December 3, 2011
I think these hairdressers should be shot in front....I wish I had not said that .Sorry

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PaulH

Saturday, December 3, 2011
How you feel about this sort of place depends on how you would be able to justify or explain why men would want to visit such a place and why women have come to accept working in such a role to a nice bright little nine year old girl ( or boy come to that) Try thinking of justifying your kid or grandaughter doing that job. Then it sort of stops being a joke and becomes what it is, seedy. Just like the truck I saw a few years back " pimped" for want of a better word with pretty explicit painted on ads for the S&M club that was in business in Norwich at the time. It was parked near a bus stop where primary school kids caught the bus. Topless bars, topless hairdressers , that's not sexual freedom for mature adults, its encouraging men to act like prurient silly little boys.

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Daisy Roots

Saturday, December 3, 2011
I shall be keeping abreast of developments.

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andrew malcolm

Saturday, December 3, 2011
Could a have a bit more off my fringe please. The council will make a big boob if this one goes through.

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Tone the moan

Saturday, December 3, 2011
Well said Jimmy - but why not restrict to adults (as in pubs, or membership?) Having said which, the 'spoilers' will kill it at birth. By the way, GT whats wrong with competition?

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biglingers

Saturday, December 3, 2011
why dont they put it on king street or rouen road,,in the red light district ,,better suited,,

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morello

Saturday, December 3, 2011
this road is run down enough at night time,,what going to happen men are going to go in this place,, get worked up then come outside and attack the nearest female,, or are they going to provide extra services as well disgusting,,or are they going to open one for women as well men cutting womans hair with there dangler flying about

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morello

Saturday, December 3, 2011
A pal of mine used to live above one in London, he reckoned that most of their clientele were virtually bald and the last thing they needed was a haircut.

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Joe Mullets Uncle

Saturday, December 3, 2011
Do you mean go ' Bust' Albert ?

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John L Norton

Saturday, December 3, 2011
This has to be nipped in the bud! Next thing they will wanting to do is to put tables and chairs on the pavement

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Pa Snipps

Saturday, December 3, 2011
Do they sell gift vouchers?

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Bruce87

Friday, December 2, 2011
It won't happen it's nothing but a storm in a D cup.

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John L Norton

Friday, December 2, 2011
Well, that's a big disappointment. I live in Sydney and no one told me about a topless barbers operating here...mind you, there's plenty of pubs sporting topless barmaids and I'd far sooner have a cleansing ale or three spread out over a couple of hours than a brief 5-minute haircut. Gives me more time to, er, think about the vital issues of the day

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qantasqf1

Friday, December 2, 2011
Well, that's a big disappointment. I live in Sydney and no one told me about a topless barbers operating here...mind you, there's plenty of pubs sporting topless barmaids and I'd far sooner have a cleansing ale or three spread out over a couple of hours than a brief 5-minute haircut. Gives me more time to, er, think about the vital issues of the day

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qantasqf1

Friday, December 2, 2011
Give em the go ahead (see what I did there?) Its not gonna succeed though is it? Just checked at City college school of hairdressing and all the girls are fully clothed.

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Abraham

Friday, December 2, 2011
IF its not in general view to the public does it matter?!? therefore people cant just view thro window. i cant see the harm.

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TRIV83

Friday, December 2, 2011
Its impossible to lower the image of the street any futher !!!!!

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Tmax

Friday, December 2, 2011
A topless dentist and now you're talking, there's never anything to look at in a dentists surgery, or take your mind off what is going on.

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COLD

Friday, December 2, 2011
i always wash my toupee every Friday night.in the sink with some lux flakes.

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bookworm

Friday, December 2, 2011
how coarse.good job i machine wash my toupee every Friday night.

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bookworm

Friday, December 2, 2011
Well, at least the local residents have been kept abreast of the situation. I think the council will put the knockers on the whole idea though.

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cnb

Friday, December 2, 2011
all for it hope she get here application thro and the blazer brigade dont get there way as for a comment from GT’s barbers of course they would be against it as they are competition how about some unbiased reporting

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Jimmy Hupperby

Friday, December 2, 2011

Topless barbers for Prince of Wales Road, Norwich?

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