Barber cuts controversial sign after Dingwall spat that divided public
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THE owner of a barber shop within a conservation area in Ross-shire’s county town has backed down in a row over a flashing illuminated sign he’s been told to remove.
ROJ Barber shop at Castlebank House on a prominent site on Dingwall High Street divided opinion and sparked an online debate after standing firm against Highland Council's order to remove the sign.
The business signalled its intention last month to keep the sign up and apply for planning permission.
But it has now been switched off by business owner Anas Mondo.
He decided "it would be best to turn it of" because he "doesn't want trouble with the council".
Local councillor Graham MacKenzie said "common sense had prevailed".
He said: "I'm pleased that we are moving towards a resolution. As you anyone could see from social media, the townspeople were split as to the merits of the sign. Some people felt that it was a mountain-out-of-a-molehill and that it brightened up the High Street while others were offended by its presence in a conservation area.
"I think common sense has prevailed. The barber gentleman has to be commended for adhering to the advice given to him by the council, and if he now submits planning permission due process will take place, and hopefully we can all move forward."
* Would you support ROJ Barber's bid to keep the sign if it went to a planning application? Share your views by emailing newsdesk@spp-group.com
