A NEW business owner in Romsey has been given a welcome boost after being awarded a cash grant.

Test Valley Borough Council has awarded a £1,000 independent retailer grant to Victoria Smith-Dowse after she opened her hairdressing company, Inspirations Hair Design, in Dukes Mill shopping centre.

Victoria’s experience has seen her work as a hairdresser on cruise liners and she also ran a mobile hairdressing business, and she saw Romsey as the ideal place to set up a permanent base.

Romsey Abbey ward member, Councillor Ian Richards, said: “Inspirations Hair Design is a great new business for Romsey and Victoria is settled in a prime location.

"It’s great to have another independent retailer." in the town to boost the local economy and enhance the town centre.”