Blackrod dog groomer back in business after shutdown

Karen Lee launched Hair of the Dog at its new site on New Street with an event attended by family, friends and the Mayor of Blackrod on Monday.

Ms Lee, who has almost a decade of experience, moved Hair of the Dog from its old site on Manchester Road after the council issued a notice for operating from an outbuilding without planning permission. The business appealed against the notice but, on September 6, the Planning Inspectorate threw out the appeal, giving it a matter of months to secure a premises.

Derek Lee, Ms Lee's father, stepped in to secure a premises which was once a salon and where she is accompanied by Katie Gaskell, who is to work at the same site but under another name – Kiss My Mutt.

Ms Lee said: "I am excited to be opening my business and, obviously, I am excited for my friend to be opening her business too. 

"I was on my own for almost 10 years so it will be nice to have some company after so long. We are both excited for the future.

"We have had a rough time with the place being shut down but everything happens for a reason and we have come out better on the other side so we are not bothered now. 

"It is all in the past."

Ms Gaskell said: "It is going to be great. Everyone is so supportive in the village. 

"The new clients are amazing and the ongoing clients are amazing so it is brilliant."

Mayor of Blackrod John Price praised the pair as he cut the ribbon on Monday.

Cllr Price said: "It is absolutely beautiful and it is absolutely a credit to you, particularly with the rubbish you have had for a couple of years from people who should know better. 

"Congratulations. I hope it goes from strength to strength and I am sure it will."

For information search for Hair of the Dog Blackrod or Kiss My Mutt Blackrod on social media.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.