Barber’s hut is set for the chop

A QUIRKY wooden cabin dating back to Victorian times has been sold at auction for £48,000.

The former gents’ hairdresser at Waterloo, Huddersfield, has been a feature in Wakefield Road since it was built in 1898 – but is now expected to be demolished.

Its most recent owner was barber Trevor Booth who recently hung up his scissors after an incredible career spanning 63 years.

Back in the 1930s, it was owned by Cyril Raby whose name is immortalised in the shop’s stained glass window.

The building was auctioned on Tuesday evening by the company William Sykes. The guide price was

The hut when in operation as a gents’ hairdresser inside (right) and out (left). And (above) its most recent owner Trevor Booth, whose recently retired after a 63-year career £20,000 to £30,00 but it sold for far more.

Rob Dixon of William Sykes said: “The property was sold last night for £48,000.

“We received plenty of interest prior to the sale and bidding was strong on the night.

“The purchaser is a local investor, but didn’t want to go public. His intention is to demolish the shop and build the property as per the planning permission.”

The planning application is for a two-storey shop unit. According to the plans it will function as a hairdressing salon.

Kirklees Council passed the plans but warned any future developer to keep a close eye on any bats that might be roosting in the old hut as they are a protected species.

Last month Huddersfield folk recalled their memories of the shop, saying it had barely changed in decades.

Former customer John Robinson was four when he first stepped inside the shop and says the interior has barely changed since 1952.

He said: “Your article brought back many happy memories of going to the shop from the age of four in 1952 until I married in 1971 and moved away.

“It was always a busy shop and I remember often being frustrated by the wait. The photo you published of the shop interior is very much as I remember it.

“Passing the shop in Waterloo from time to time, I have continued to see Trevor’s car parked outside and marvelled that he was still working.

“Thank you, Trevor, for your many years of service to the local community, and may you have many years of happy retirement in the future.”