Anger over Norwich topless barbers plan Published duration 3 December 2011

A plan to open a barbers with topless staff in Norwich is facing opposition.

The Qube bar in Prince of Wales Road, the city's nightclub district, could be run as a daytime salon with topless stylists.

Rebecca Bird wants permission from Norwich City Council for change of use. She has declined to comment until the application has been heard.

There are fears the salon would be detrimental to the area and that its staff would be at risk.

It is not clear from the application whether the staff will be men or women.

Gary Thompson, of GT barbers near Qube, said: "I think it's an absolutely ludicrous idea and I've been speaking to the hairdressing industry here in Norwich and everyone thinks it's ludicrous and hopes it doesn't get the go ahead.

'Up for anything'

"I think it's a gimmick - I can't see the connection between barbering and nudity."

A Facebook group, Against Topless Barbers in Norwich, has also been set up.

It claims the salon would damage nearby businesses, negatively change the street's daytime trade and reduce potential business growth.

But another Facebook group, For Topless Barbers in Norwich - which backs the plan - has more supporters.

If given the go-ahead, the ground floor salon would open between noon and 19:00 GMT Monday to Friday, and 10:00 GMT to 15:00 GMT on Saturdays.

An anonymous objection submitted to the council states: "I believe it will cater to society's lowest common denominator.

"I believe that any women working there will be at risk from some customers who will infer that they are up for anything.

"Norwich people should not have to put up with constant erosion of standards of public decency."