THERE are simply no words to describe how I’m feeling right now.

As a small business owner on Andover’s High Street, being situated on the first floor, the A-board ban issued by Hampshire County Council last year has understandably had a negative impact since new and potential clients have difficulty trying to locate the salon.

I have only been trading for 14 months and invested a lot of time and money after having moved back to Andover, my original hometown where I grew up.

I won’t go into how ridiculous I believe the rule is since the High Street is full of obstacles being a health and safety hazard.

I felt forced to close down the business recently due to personal circumstances, but am not afraid to openly admit that the amount of worry and stress this all caused played a huge part in making that decision.

I simply cannot understand why this ban only affects Andover and why Ian Carr at Test Valley Borough Council (who I’ve personally written to) will not give us more support, to even attempt to converse with HCC to reach a suitable compromise.

This saga needs to end, these are our livelihoods and we deserve more support if this town is to have anything to offer.

Finally I would like to announce that I am reopening my salon, I will not go without a fight.

Samantha Leach, Beautiful YOU, High Street, Andover