A HADLEIGH hairdresser is anything but Scissor Happy after being ordered to remove a sparkling new sign from outside his salon.Toby Ambrose put up an eye-catching sign on the front of his High Street business, Scissor Happy, about three months ago during redecoration.

A HADLEIGH hairdresser is anything but Scissor Happy after being ordered to remove a sparkling new sign from outside his salon.

Toby Ambrose put up an eye-catching sign on the front of his High Street business, Scissor Happy, about three months ago during redecoration.

Measuring about 50cm by 200cm, a modern red and grey scissors logo is emblazoned on a mirrored background, highlighting the salon from the florists next door.

Although public feedback on the revamped new shop front has been good, Babergh District Council have ordered Mr Ambrose to take the sign down.

Mr Ambrose said: "The council issued me with a 28-day removal notice and I am furious.

"They claim that the sign is too small and not compatible with the character of the building.

"They would have preferred me to use the whole of the front fascia which is ridiculous. I feel like I am being victimised."

When planning the sign Mr Ambrose was careful not to make it too big, as he was wary the glare from the mirror might distract motorists.

He did not realise that he would need planning permission for such a small sign.

A Babergh spokesperson said: With its many listed buildings, Hadleigh High Street is acknowledged to be one of the finest examples of a market town main road in the country.

"It is the duty of Babergh District Council to ensure that the character both of individual buildings and the whole area is preserved.

"We provide advice to companies as to what types of fascia are acceptable and which are not, although we reserve the right to require businesses to remove inappropriate exterior designs and advertising."

N What do you think? Do you find the sign distracting or garish? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk.