A BASINGSTOKE hairdressers which has been at the heart of the community since 1924 has found new owners.

Careys Hairdressers, in Church Street, was taken over by local businessman Duncan Stone – pictured here – who also owns tattoo parlour Area 51, next door to the salon.

Taking over last month, Mr Stone acquired the family business from longstanding owner Alan Carey.

Mr Carey, 87, retired from the business in March after 37 years serving and cutting hair of locals.

Since the purchase, Mr Stone has set out his vision for the hairdressers, which was originally called H F Careys Hairdressers.

“We saw a fantastic opportunity here,” Mr Stone said.

“This space has always been a hairdressers and we thought it had to be worth some investment. When we took over and asked the staff if they wanted to stay, they pretty much all did.

“The regulars here tell me it’s the oldest standing hairdressers in Basingstoke so to continue that is great.”

He added: “It made perfect sense to put in an offer as it’s next door and the chance to potentially grow them together was too big to turn down.”

So far during his first month at the helm, Mr Stone has introduced a new electronic queuing system where people can pick up a ticket, enter their telephone number and be told when to return to the salon for their appointment.

The salon will no longer offer booked appointments due to the “complications” of running this service.

But for Mr Stone, the experience has been a positive one so far.

“I literally had no experience in running a hairdressers,” he said.

“My dad used to run one in Oakley, so I suppose the most experience I have is sweeping up the floors of his place on Saturdays.

“But with these new changes and our loyal customers the business is going well.”

To find out more contact 01256 323232.