Battle Still on to Save 100 Year Old Barber Shop

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Alexanders seeking new premises after being forced to close by TfL

Alexanders, the barber shop which had been at the entrance of the Hammersmith and City line station for over one hundred years was forced to close last month after Transport for London (TfL) ended its lease.

TfL want to create two entries to the station to cope with increased passenger demand which they say will overwhelm the station's current capacity by 2016. Originally when they informed Nicos Pavlou, the owner of the barber shop, of the decision they told him he would be able to move into the premises at the station occupied by a coffee shop and a newsagent but they later informed him that this offer was made in error.

Mr. Pavlou appointed a solicitor but was told that he risked defeat in a costly legal battle. TfL's only concession was to allow a notice to be put up directing customers to a small overflow shop above the bus station. With only three chairs it is inadequate for their existing business and the barbers currently work much reduced hours in shifts and have consequently lost a lot of wages.

Mr. Pavlou has not been successful thus far in finding suitable new premises though he is desperate not to lose his existing client base and loyal staff.

September 16, 2013