A BARBER could be forced to remove graffiti art from his shop — after neighbours complained it was an eyesore.

Hair stylist Stephen Kempt, aged 24, opened Generations, in Ainsworth Lane, Tonge Moor, in October, 2009.

He wanted to attract young customers by providing computer consoles and inspirational quotes on the wall.

And it has been so successful he moved to a bigger unit three doors down last month.

But a graffiti image on the front of the shop, showing a cartoon image of Mr Kempt holding scissors and clippers, has offended some people and now it faces the chop.

Mr Kempt and his business partner, Aaron Cull, aged 23, have had to pay £95 to Bolton Council to apply to keep the mural.

But council planning officers could force the barbers to remove it.

Mr Kempt, of Pickering Close, Radcliffe, said: “It’s a bit of a mystery as to why anyone has complained.

“The council has said several people have complained, but haven’t said who.

“It would be a shame if we had to take it down.”

The mural at the old shop was in place for two-and-a-half years.

Mr Kempt said: “It’s frustrating because we’re attracting young people and we’ve got inspirational messages on the walls from the likes of John Lennon and Martin Luther King, so you would think people would be supportive of a growing, community-conscious business.”

Neighbouring shops were supportive of the graffiti art.

Donna Barlow, manager of The Bakery on the Lane, next door to Generations, said: “It looks quite smart and they used to have it on the old unit before they moved.

The lads are doing well to earn a living and should be congratulated for bringing business to the area.”

A spokesman for the Co-operative shop, three doors from the barbers, added: “I’ve not really got a preference either way about the mural, and I don’t know anyone who has complained about it.”

The council is aiming to reach a decision by June 18.