Lichfield Salon sign has to come down

A salon owner has reluctantly admitted defeat and taken down a sign advertising his hairdressing business.

David Ward says he cannot afford to continue his stand against Lichfield council bosses who have threatened him with an enforcement notice and a fine of up to £20,000.

The 42-year-old set up the salon, DJ & Ward, in a Grade II-listed building in Tamworth Street in May last year, forking out £400 on a sign.

But district planners ruled it was too large for its setting within the city's conservation area.

Mr Ward fought the decision and was backed by neighbouring traders but today he said he felt backed into a corner.

"I can't take the worry of it any more. It's too much pressure while you're trying to run a business," he said.

"I want to take this further but I can't afford to. It's very frustrating."