A POPULAR Wirral salon has closed its doors.

Preen Hair and Beauty Clinic, based on Seabank Road in Wallasey, announced it would be closing after seven years of trading on Saturday, April 20.

The beauty salon took to social media to thank its customers for their support stating the decision to close was “very painful” and “had not been taken lightly”.

Announcing the closure of social media, the salon said that the salon had been “burdened” by “ever-rising costs” and it had been “more difficult to sustain a healthy and viable business operation”.

In a statement, Martin Revans, managing director of Preen, said: “I'm very grateful to so many people today and I want to say a huge thank you to all our customers, past and present; to all our staff, chair and space-renters and to our friends and families who have supported this business enterprise since we opened in November 2016 (and before that too).

“We thrived after a difficult start, but the challenge of keeping a personal service business afloat through lockdown came at a heavy cost. However, the dedication, hard work and creativity of the last two managers, Jaimee and Sophie, brought the business back to life again.

“I'm so proud of what we've achieved together, how many people we've made happy with our skills, and how many spin-off businesses have been able to take off because of the experience, confidence, and inspiration many of our staff have gathered while they've worked here.

“As one of the many fine Independent Traders on Seabank Parade, I'm also proud of the contribution our team has made to the local community.

“We've come to a natural ending with lots of new beginnings - new babies, new jobs and new challenges lie in front of us.

“I wish you all success in your new life paths.

“And finally, of all the people who have helped the business on the way, I have to single out my salon manager Sophie who has been an absolute star over the last year.

“Her dedication and professionalism have been remarkable and neither the salon nor I could have come this far without her.”

The UK hair and beauty industry is set to reach £4.6b in revenue over the next five years, showing steady economic growth despite 85% of salons having to adjust their pricing in line with current inflation rates.

The industry has also reported struggles with the number of no-shows and cancellations.