A NEW hairdressing business has been given a head start with a small grant – enabling an Upper Dales resident to stay and work in her home town.

Edie Peacock, 27, has lived in Hawes all her life, but feared she would have to move if she couldn’t set up her hairdressing business there.

But through Richmondshire District Council’s Small Business Grant Scheme she received £670 which helped her to buy equipment enabling her to rent a chair in an existing salon in the town.

She said: “I have lived in Hawes all my life and want to stay here and bring up my sons, Sid and Bertie.

“With the help of the district council I got the equipment I need, and I already have a steadily growing appointment book.

“It means my sons can go to school here and stay close to their grandparents- and hopefully they will develop the love of the Dales that I have.”

Edie Peacock Hairdressing opened up for customers in Sonja’s Salon in the town’s Market Place on November 5.

Hawes councillor John Blackie added: “It was great that the council has been able to give her such a flying start.

“We are losing too many of our young people and young families from the Upper Dales, so to hear of Edie’s new enterprise is a real tonic.”

The Small Business Grant Scheme aims to help small businesses in Richmondshire through one-off grants of up to £1,000.

For more information contact Samantha Coultish on 01748-901037 or Samantha.coultish@richmondshire.gov.uk.