A FORMER hair salon is set to re-open as a women’s clothes shop in the next two weeks.

Norma Jeane clothing will open at the shop once occupied by Vanity Lounge hairdresser in Bell Street.

The shop will be managed by Nicky Sargent, 40, who owns the lease on the property for the next four years and previously ran Vanity Lounge.

As previously reported, the empty shop was supposed to become a community hub.

However, despite the community hub plans, which were put forward by Kerry and Clive Daley, Ms Sargent decided to open the boutique.

It is understood that there had been no communication between Ms Sargent and Kerry and Clive Daley who put the plans forward for the Community Hub for about four weeks.

Kerry Daley said that the couple will “definitely bring a community hub to Romsey, it will just be a matter of time”.

The new boutique will sell clothing for women of all ages including handbags, accessories and some soft furnishings.

There will also be a small vintage section for guests to enjoy.

Nicky said: “The shop will sell items that you can’t get on the high street.

“I’m excited to open the shop and have had really good response about opening it from local people.

“I didn’t want to leave the shop empty as I love Romsey. I have never thought about opening a shop before but I thought ‘why not?’.

“It’s exciting to do something different.”

Nicky said she expects the shop to open in the next two weeks: “I can’t yet give a specific date but we will be opening very soon.”

Mark Edgerley, Romsey town centre manager said: “We are really pleased to see this unit reopening as a fashion outlet.

“The concentration of Romsey’s fashion outlets in Bell Street offers shoppers choice in an easily accessible street and adjacent to one of Romsey’s car parks.

“Opening a new retail business takes considerable investment so please support the owner by popping in soon”

When the shop officially opens shoppers will be able to visit the boutique from 10am until 4pm from Monday to Saturday.