A BIRDWELL hairdresser feared he could lose his business after his phone provider removed the landline number he’s been using for more than 40 years - but his woes have been eased after the Chronicle took up his case.

Tony Swinden has been running the barber shop Imagination Hair by Tony since 1982.

While the business has relocated a handful of times - starting in Kendray before moving to Regent Street in town in 1984 and finally settling down on Sheffield Road in Birdwell in 2000 - he has maintained the same number throughout.

However, following recent complications with his phone and broadband provider Vodafone, the number regulars have used for decades to sort out appointments has been lost, with them informing him they may not be able to get it back.

Tony told the Chronicle: “I don’t have phone numbers for all my clients - I’ve been using this one number for all these years and there’s only so many numbers you can store on a phone.

“I’ve got in touch with the ones I have but that still leaves plenty missed out.

“I’ve been in business over 40 years and some have been with me right from the start - I’ve updated on Google and Facebook but these are older people who won’t think to check that.”

It’s believed the issue occurred because his contract was approaching its end, and Vodafone believed he wouldn’t renew.

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Thankfully, after the Chronicle contacted Vodafone last week it has now been confirmed that Tony should have his number reinstated at some point in the next week.

“I don’t blame them, these things happen,” he added.

“They have done everything they could have done for me and all being well the number should be back next week.

“It’s definitely good news for me.”