STOURBRIDGE hair stylists are getting excited at the chance to re-open their salons from next month, following the latest government announcement.

Lou Caddick and Steph Mantom, who run VIPs hair salon in Coventry Street have, like hairdressers across the country, been waiting anxiously for news on when they'd be able to re-open their doors to customers.

And now, following today's announcement that salons can re-open from Saturday July 4, the mother and daughter team are raring to go.

Steph said: "We're so excited.

"What a relief it is to finally have a date.

"Our guidelines that we need to adhere to haven't been released yet but we are very, very confident that we will have already got all that under control, so we just need to wait just a little longer and then it will be all systems go."

Having been locked down since March, the pair have had plenty of time to come up with a plan to help keep themselves and their customers safe when they re-open.

They've been busy bleaching and sterilising the salon and equipment "to within an inch of its life" - Lou said, as well as repainting and a professional team will be drafted in to disinfect the salon ahead of its re-opening.

Perspex screens have been fitted around the reception counter and between the wash basins and the plan will be to wear face masks and visors themselves, while all customers will be asked to wear a face mask and numbers permitted in the salon at any one time will be reduced.

Clients will be asked to take their own drinks, books and magazines if they want them - and take them away as they leave.

Those desperate for a hair cut will also be asked to call in by telephone for appointments - and they've promised to honour the bookings made by loyal customers who had their appointments cancelled when lockdown was announced.